Senior Principal Researcher - Cloud and AI Infrastructure - Microsoft Research
Microsoft
Microsoft Research Asia – Vancouver lab, located in the vibrant city of Vancouver, BC, Canada, our lab represents Microsoft Research Asia’s exciting expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. We’re on a mission to transform the future of artificial intelligence by bridging the gap between cutting-edge general AI and the specialized, real-world applications that drive meaningful impact.
We are seeking highly skilled Senior Principal Researcher - Cloud and AI Infrastructure with a keen interest in advancing cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure architecture, and chip design using AI technologies.
At the Vancouver Lab, we focus on deeply integrating intelligent systems across every layer of computing—from infrastructure to the physical environment. Our goal is to solve complex, real-world challenges with precision, scalability, and cost-efficiency. This means working at the intersection of AI, human interaction, and environmental context through a dynamic, co-evolutionary process.
If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of AI and want to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of intelligent systems, we invite you to explore opportunities with us. This is an opportunity to drive an ambitious research agenda while collaborating with diverse teams to push for novel applications of those areas.
Responsibilities
In this role, you will investigate and analyze emerging hardware technologies, trends, and advancements to stay ahead of the industry.
Design and optimize hardware components, systems, and architectures to enhance performance, reliability, and efficiency.
Conduct simulations, tests, and validations to ensure hardware designs meet required specifications and performance goals.
Develop prototypes and proof-of-concept models to demonstrate new hardware technologies and applications.
Identify opportunities for hardware improvements and cost reductions by staying informed about industry best practices and standards.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software researchers, designers, and engineers, to identify hardware requirements and develop innovative solutions.
Partner with manufacturing vendors and production teams to transition innovative designs and concepts into deployable systems.
Document research findings, design decisions, and technical specifications to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration within the organization.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Doctorate in relevant field AND 6+ years related research experience
- OR Master's Degree in relevant field AND 7+ years related research experience
- OR Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 9+ years related research experience
- OR equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctorate in relevant field AND 8+ years related research experience
- OR Master's Degree in relevant field AND 12+ years related research experience
- OR Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 15+ years related research experience
- OR equivalent experience.
- 3+ years’ experience in research related to infrastructure design, computer architecture, or artificial intelligence.
- Experience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributor.
- Experience participating in a top conference in relevant research domain.
- Experience in optimizing or designing hardware components and architectures to enhance performance, reliability, efficiency, etc.
Research Sciences IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $163,000 - $296,400 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 $220,800 - $331,200 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
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.