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.

We are seeking Research Intern candidates who are working at the intersection of gaming, filmmaking, and generative AI. This project will involve working both with human creators and the latest multimodal generative models to innovate new forms of interactive entertainment. We’re looking for highly flexible and creative Research Interns who can help us reimagine what kinds of entertainment scenarios are only now becoming technically possible.

Candidates with prior experience in leveraging generative AI models such as GPT, Dall-E, Midjourney, etc., will be preferred. Proficiency in coding languages such as Python and/or JavaScript is required. Additionally, familiarity with filmmaking elements including storyboarding, narrative design, stage directions, visual effects, and related areas would be advantageous. We are also looking for Research Interns who are adept with social media, as we anticipate iterative development based on extensive feedback from a large user base through social media-like platform.

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

• In collaboration with other researchers and interns in the team, design a prototype of a novel interactive entertainment experience that will address open research questions in this space.
• Write code and contribute to a shared codebase that implements the experience.
• Develop prompting strategies for generative AI multi-modal models based on techniques often used in film making or game development.
• Assist with readying the results of the project for publication.
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Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD Computer Science program or master's-level in filmmaking (or interactive media/storytelling).

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

• Extensive experience with large language models.
• Experience coding in Python and JavaScript.
• Background or strong interest in tech-driven entertainment (game or film).
• Experience working with multimodal models (such as text, code, image, audio, or video generation).
• Experience in film production or game development.
• Experience with social media engagement.

Applied Sciences IC2 : The base pay range for this internship is USD $5,460 -$10,680 per month.

There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, with the San Francisco Bay area and New York City Metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $7,040 -$11,640 per month.

Applied Sciences IC3 : 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.