Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers. Our researchers and engineers pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.

This position is for a research internship with the Ability and Enable research groups in MSR’s Redmond Lab. These groups conduct research aimed at developing innovative technologies that extend the capabilities of and enhance quality of life for people with disabilities (long-term, temporary, or situational). Our mission is to conduct foundational, user-oriented research to understand the tech-related challenges and needs of people with disabilities, and to invent novel, inclusive technologies with an accessibility-first design philosophy that combines advances in hardware, HCI, and AI. You can learn more about our teams' research projects and team members at the AbilityandEnablegroup websites.

Responsibilities

Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, students are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.

• Must be accepted, applying to, or currently enrolled in a PhD program relevant to Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Informatics, Psychology, or a related STEM field.

Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Applicants may be preferred who can demonstrate at least 1 year experience conducting original research in (or closely related to) Human-Computer Interaction, AI, or Accessibility, and further be able to document their research contributions with publicly available resources (e.g., by linking to papers, pre-prints, videos, demonstrations, repositories, articles, press coverage, or research proposals in your submitted CV).

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.