Microsoft continues to expand its influence in artificial intelligence, and with that expansion comes a new opportunity for AI professionals. The company is actively seeking a Senior Applied Scientist to join its Microsoft Search, Assistant, and Intelligence (MSAI) division—the team behind the brains of Microsoft 365 Copilot.
This role sits at the heart of Microsoft’s mission to enhance productivity through intelligent, human-centered technology.
Why This Role Matters
Microsoft 365 Copilot isn’t just another productivity feature—it represents the next era of how people interact with work tools. Behind this innovation is a collection of advanced LLM-powered systems designed to help users find information faster, understand context better, and get work done more efficiently.
The Senior Applied Scientist joining the team will help push this vision further by developing smarter conversation models, better search algorithms, and more adaptive recommendation systems.
Daily Responsibilities You Can Expect
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys both research and real-world application. Responsibilities include:
🔸 Building and Experimenting With ML Models
You’ll work on:
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Reinforcement learning
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Large language models (LLMs)
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Data validation and metric testing
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Privacy-preserving ML solutions
🔸 Driving Features That Reach Millions
Your work will quickly transition from experimentation to real production systems used in Microsoft 365 Copilot applications.
🔸 Cross-Team Innovation
You’ll collaborate with Microsoft Research, Azure teams, and product engineers to align research outcomes with user needs.
🔸 Customer and Data Insights
Analyzing user feedback, system telemetry, and usage data will be key to shaping the next iteration of intelligent features.
🔸 Mentorship & Leadership
You’ll help create a culture of scientific excellence, guiding less experienced team members and advocating for best ML practices.
Who Microsoft Is Looking For
Applicants should bring strong academic and real-world experience:
✔ Minimum Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree + 4 years experience
OR -
Master’s degree + 3 years experience
OR -
PhD + 1 year
OR -
Equivalent experience
Skills should include:
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Statistical modeling
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Predictive analytics
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Machine learning system development
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Large-scale data analysis
✔ Preferred Qualifications
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Advanced experience (Master’s with 6+ years or PhD with 3+ years)
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Proven history of applied AI research
Strong communication skills are non-negotiable—this role involves explaining complex concepts to cross-functional teams.
Security & Compliance Expectations
Candidates must successfully pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire and every two years.
Commitment to Inclusivity
Microsoft fosters a workplace built on respect, accountability, and inclusion. They encourage applicants from all backgrounds and guarantee equal employment opportunities regardless of demographic characteristics.
Is This the Right Move for You?
If you’re excited by the thought of merging research with large-scale production systems—and seeing your ideas shape the future of global productivity—this role is an opportunity worth exploring.
This is your chance to work at the forefront of AI innovation with a team committed to pushing boundaries and delivering intelligent solutions that truly make a difference.
