Research Intern - FATE NYC (Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics in AI)

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.

Microsoft Research, New York City (MSR NYC) is looking for multiple Research Interns to collaborate with members of the  (FATE) research group. A list of researchers in the FATE group can be found . Members of the group collaborate extensively with each other and with other groups across Microsoft.

This group is interested in research including but not limited to: sociotechnical approaches to AI evaluation/measurement; developing statistical, computational, and visualization methodologies for AI evaluation/measurement; the challenges of responsible AI in industry practice; institutional studies; AI law and policy; cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of AI; AI transparency; human-AI interaction; and a wide range of topics that address AI’s social impacts from a diversity of disciplinary perspectives. 

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in FATE-related topics and a desire to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment. We welcome applicants with backgrounds in technical fields (e.g., machine learning, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, computer vision, statistics) and applicants with backgrounds in sociotechnical fields (e.g., anthropology, history of science, history of technology, human-computer interaction, information science, law, media studies, philosophy, science and technology studies, sociology).

Applicants to the FATE internship may also be interested in applying for the separate STAC internship. Applicants interested in multiple internship opportunities should apply to each posting separately. 

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a relevant PhD program or JD (Juris Doctorate) program.

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. 
• Applications (including reference letters) should be submitted by December 18 for full consideration but will be accepted until all positions are filled. Applicants who do not submit a cover letter may not be considered. Your cover letter should be no more than 2 pages long. Please address the following points:
  • Include your name, email address, and website URL.
  • Briefly describe your current research, and how it connects with the focus of the MSR NYC FATE research group (see Overview for a list of some of the group’s current research interests).
  • What kinds of methodologies have you applied in your research/are you most familiar with? (E.g., coding, statistics, large scale data analysis, theoretical/mathematical analysis, user studies, experimental design, ethnography, etc.)
  • We want to learn about the kinds of research that interest you. Are there particular projects you would like to do during your internship?  Recent (MSR or non-MSR) research or ideas you’ve come across that you are particularly interested in? What, to you, makes for a good project/what are you looking for in a project? 
  • All researchers in the group review every application.  However, if you want to indicate which  you would be especially interested in working with, you may optionally do so.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to conduct original research.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers and product development teams.
• Proficient interpersonal skills, cross-group, and cross-culture collaboration.
• Ability to think unconventionally to derive creative and innovative solutions.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,550 - $12,880 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 $8,480 - $13,920 per month.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: 

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

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.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the .

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.