Research Intern - Systems For Efficient AI

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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.

AI workloads are growing at an unprecedented pace, and inference has become one of the most critical challenges in modern computing. Large-scale models demand massive compute resources, and the diversity of hardware across cloud and edge adds complexity. Achieving low latency and high throughput while controlling cost requires rethinking the entire inference stack—from algorithms to infrastructure.

Within our Systems Innovation research group, we pursue a full stack approach towards AI inference. We closely collaborate with multiple research teams and product groups across the globe. Some of the research problems we are currently working on are related to request scheduling/batching mechanisms, KV caching optimizations, LLM inference optimizations, and GPU fleet orchestration.

We are looking for Research Interns to help advance the state of the art of systems for efficient AI. The ideal candidate will have background in systems for AI, including end-to-end AI inference pipelines, request scheduling and batching mechanisms, performance optimizations for AI inference, and KV caching mechanisms.

Required Qualifications

• Accepted or currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM 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 LLM architectures, systems for LLM inference, and/or AI hardware.
• Experience with GPUs and understanding of CUDA/ROCm frameworks.
• Experience with computer systems and/or networks.
• Experience in conducting research and writing peer-reviewed publications.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Be able to work in a cross-functional and multi-disciplinary setting across research and product.
• Proficient software development skills, preferably in C++ and Python.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 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 $8,760 - $14,360 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).

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.