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.

The Innovation Strategy team at Microsoft Research is seeking a passionate and innovative Research Intern to help redefine storytelling using cutting-edge AI and other advanced technologies. This role provides the unique opportunity to collaborate with flagship research projects across Microsoft Research, using them as the first customers for novel storytelling solutions. The focus is on building a flexible storytelling framework and set of tools that combine automated and human-driven methods, enabling impactful narratives for diverse audiences. 

As part of the team, you’ll explore new frontiers in storytelling, applying AI for tasks such as media generation, narrative structuring, content curation, and personalization. You’ll work closely with interdisciplinary teams to refine these techniques, contributing to both practical applications and the broader academic and research community. 

Responsibilities

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.

Additional Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel tools or frameworks for storytelling that leverage AI and combine automated and human-driven methods. 
• Explore latest advances in AI driven storytelling, including media generation, narrative structuring, content curation, and other storytelling-related tasks. 
• Collaborate with flagship projects across Microsoft Research and use them as the first customers for innovative storytelling approaches. 
• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including researchers, engineers, and designers, to iteratively refine storytelling techniques and tools based on user feedback and project outcomes. 
• Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of storytelling solutions, documenting findings and insights to inform future innovations. 
• Present research outcomes through internal demonstrations, reports, and potential academic publications, contributing to the advancement of storytelling practices in research and beyond. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD program in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Media, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field. 
• At least 1 additional quarter or semester of school remaining following the completion of the internship. 

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

• Specialization in computational storytelling or computational creativity. 
• Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art AI technologies, particularly media generation tools (e.g., generative models for text, images, video, or audio). 
• Compelling portfolio or research background in applying AI to creative or narrative-focused projects. 

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: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay 

Microsoft accepts applications and processes offers for these roles 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.