The MSR Future Experiences Team is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team in solving real-world problems and pushing the boundaries of Human-Computer Interaction and AI. We are an interdisciplinary group of researchers, engineers, scientists, and designers who are exploring future human experiences through prototyping, system-building, design sketching, and observational study of human behavior. You can learn more about our group and recent research at http://aka.ms/future-experiences.   

We are seeking exceptional candidates to advance the state-of-the-art in human-computer interaction (HCI) and Human-Centered AI to help shape future user experiences. Focus areas include, but are not limited to, the following:   

• Multimedia perceptual systems and interaction  

• Human-AI/agent interaction and experiences  

• Generative user interfaces and interaction techniques  

• Accessible and inclusive design  

• Affective computing  

• Responsible AI  

• AI mediated sensemaking  

• Data visualization  

• Spatial computing  

We welcome applicants who focus on the intersection of these areas with generative AI.   

As a Postdoctoral Researcher on our team, you will work closely with researchers, engineers, and designers at Microsoft to create working prototypes of novel systems, developing new enabling technologies as needed. We expect the candidate to perform scholarly research, publish academic papers, and engage with Microsoft product groups to advance the state of the art and create meaningful impact. You will collaborate closely with other researchers and engineers across the company to amplify your impact and grow your career in a supportive and stimulating environment.    

Microsoft Research provides a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment, with an open publication policy and close links to top academic institutions around the world. The postdoctoral research position offers emerging scholars an opportunity to develop their research career and interact with some of the top minds in the research community. Postdoctoral researchers are hired for a two-year term appointment and receive a competitive salary, benefits package and are eligible for relocation expenses.  

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 and are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. 

Responsibilities

• Work with fellow research scientists to advance the state of the art in HCI and Human-Centered AI.  
• Interface with product groups to create real-world impact from research innovations  
• Contributing to an end-to-end research agenda from ideation and prototype development to scholarly and product group impact  
• Publish and contribute to top scientific conferences and journals  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:  

• Doctorate (or currently pursuing) in Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related STEM field or equivalent experience  
• Research and innovation track record demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, patents, and/or real-world impact    

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Deep knowledge of recent advancements in HCI, including generative AI.  
• Publication record as a lead author or essential contributor at top HCI or AI venues such as CHI, UIST, ICMI, CSCW, ICML, AAAI, NeurIPS, ICLR, etc.  
• Experience building real-time interactive systems, including those involving AI, visualization, graphics, novel interaction techniques   
• Experience conducting research user studies of publishable quality  
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams along with a team player mindset     
• Proficient communication and collaboration skills  
• Ability and desire to get up to speed and contribute to new topics and techniques  
• Work independently and in a team, take initiative and lead engagements as required  
• Reference letters are welcomed, though they are not mandatory. Please include them if available.    

Research Sciences IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $98,300 - $193,200 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 $127,200 - $208,800 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 for the role on an ongoing basis.

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 Accommodation request form.

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