Research Intern - Gray Systems Lab (GSL)

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, who 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.

Gray Systems Lab (GSL) is an applied research lab within Azure Data. We conduct research and development in databases, big data, and cloud systems, working closely with product teams to design innovative solutions to real-world problems. Our team is friendly and inclusive. We focus on a variety of exciting areas, including: machine learning for systems, reinforcement learning, fine-tuning and post-training techniques, agentic workflows and systems, resource management, query optimization and execution. We also work on workload optimization, graph analytics, data storage formats and governance, modern and emerging hardware (e.g., graphics processing units (GPUs), Non-Volatile Memory express (NVMe), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), program analysis, data provenance, and ontologies. Our work spans both Microsoft internal and open-source systems, including Fabric, Spark, Structured Query Language (SQL) Server, MySQL, Apache Iceberg, and others. We provide opportunities to pursue ideas arising from internal collaborations and external partnerships with universities, while remaining active scholars in the research community.

We are looking for graduate students interested in cutting-edge research conducted in close collaboration with advanced industry product groups. Past Research Internships have resulted in both production-system impact and publications at top conferences. Applicants should demonstrate a track record in one or more areas of systems, databases, or data science, as well as an aptitude for hands-on system building and rigorous experimental design, including running and analyzing experiments at scale.

Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research 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.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Doctorate Degree program in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or relevant field.

Other Requirements

• Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
• In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples. 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. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with one or more general purpose programming languages, such as Python, Java, C#, C++, Rust.
• Experience with one of the following: PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, Spark, Apache Iceberg, CUDA, or other database or big data systems.
• Experience contributing to research communities and/or efforts, including publishing papers (being listed as author) at academic conferences.
• Ability to take initiative but also follow a research/productization plan and work well as part of a team.
• Proficient critical thinking and communication skills.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,810 - $13,480 per month. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those

locations is USD $8,920 - $14,610 per month.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay

Microsoft accepts applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis throughout the academic calendar (September - April).

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.