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Principal Researcher - Data Systems - Microsoft Research

Microsoft

Microsoft

USD 139,900-274,800 / year
Posted on Oct 11, 2025

Principal Researcher - Data Systems - Microsoft Research

Redmond, Washington, United States

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Date posted
Oct 09, 2025
Job number
1891878
Work site
3 days / week in-office
Travel
None
Role type
Individual Contributor
Profession
Research, Applied, & Data Sciences
Discipline
Research Sciences
Employment type
Full-Time

Overview

We seek a Principal Researcher with expertise in query execution, data storage, resource management for serverless cloud platforms, data discovery, and data preparation techniques. Candidates with experience in leveraging novel hardware, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) for data management challenges are of special interest to us.

Our past research has been incorporated into Microsoft’s products and services such as SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Power BI, Excel, and Dynamics 365. We have had influential publications at top conferences such as ACM SIGMOD, VLDB, and IEEE ICDE including several best paper awards and test-of-time awards. More details are available at Data Systems Group at Microsoft Research.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or relevant field AND 3+ years related research experience
    • OR equivalent experience
  • A track record of research accomplishments, e.g., major conference publications (ACM SIGMOD, VLDB)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Doctorate in relevant field AND 5+ years related research experience) OR equivalent experience
  • Experience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributor
  • Appetite for undertaking ambitious research challenges
  • Familiarity with traditional SQL or big data systems cloud platforms
  • Expertise in key components of data systems, e.g., distributed query execution, resource management for cloud platforms, low-code data transformations
  • In-depth knowledge of modern hardware
  • Experience with applying AI and Machine Learning techniques for challenges in data systems

Research Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 per year. 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 $188,000 - $304,200 per year.

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

Microsoft will accept applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis.

#Research

#MSRR

Responsibilities

  • Pursue high-ambition research on data systems in collaboration with other members of the research lab
  • Build and deploy novel systems
  • Contribute significant innovations to Microsoft’s products and services
  • Publish papers on significant research results
  • Embody our culture and values


Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.
Industry leading healthcare
Educational resources
Discounts on products and services
Savings and investments
Maternity and paternity leave
Generous time away
Giving programs
Opportunities to network and connect

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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.