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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 England (MSRNE) is looking for advanced Ph.D. students interested in bringing sociotechnical perspectives to analyze critical issues of our time. They will join a team of social scientists who use qualitative or quantitative, empirical or critical methods to study the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shape technologies and their consequences. Our work draws on and spans several disciplines, including anthropology, communication, gender and sexuality studies, history, information studies, law, media studies, organizational and management sciences, science & technology studies, and sociology.

The questions our researchers are currently focused on include:

• How are cultural norms emerging around generative AI?

• What is necessary for data to be seen as legitimate in contexts as varied as government, civil society, and industry?

• How do platforms, algorithmic intermediaries, and generative AI, through their design and policies, shape public discourse?

• How will community health work change as foundation models enter the healthcare ecosystem?

We are especially interested in candidates bringing sociotechnical approaches to the study of such topics as:

• The intersectional dimensions of identity as they entangle sociotechnical systems, including: race, caste, and indigeneity; genders and sexualities; socioeconomic status and class

• How institutions, organizations, networks, and infrastructures (across sectors and domains) configure and are configured by sociotechnical systemsT

• The cultural, political, and ethical implications of digital systems as semi-automated, globally distributed sites of identities, work, and human rights

• Emerging uses and media representations of generative AI, particularly in relation to new forms of work, personal relationships, and the creator economy

• Cooperation, mutual aid, and community engagement, and their relationships to the design and governance of responsible technologies;

• Political economies and emerging organizational forms in digital labor, community, government, non-profit, creator economy, and private-sector contexts;

• The politics of and public responsibilities around algorithms, generative AI, machine learning, platforms, metrics, and other manifestations of computational cultures

Candidate may be trained in any number of disciplines including but not limited to: anthropology, communication, gender and sexuality studies, history, information studies, law, media studies, science and technology studies, sociology, or a related field.

Applications are due December 15, 2023

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 to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, 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 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.

Research Interns are expected to give short presentations on their project, attend the weekly lab colloquia, and contribute to the life of the lab through weekly lunches with fellow PhD interns and the broader lab community. There are also natural opportunities for collaboration within our group, and with others currently working at MSRNE.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD 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 above, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position. 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.

• When applying online, please attach the following additional information:

• A short description; no more that 2 pages, of 1 project that you propose to do while interning at MSRNE, independently and/or in collaboration with current researchers.Project proposals can be related to, but should be distinct from, your dissertation research. Be specific and tell us:

• What is the research question animating your proposed project?

• What methods would you use to address your question?

• How does your research question complement and enhance the themes listed above?

• Who do you hope to reach with this proposed research?

• A brief 1 page description of your dissertation project

• One academic article-length manuscript (7,000 words or more) that you have authored or co-authored (published or unpublished) that demonstrates your writing skills.

• A copy of your CV.

• If available, pointers to your website or other online presence (this is not required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Have a proficient social scientific, empirical, or critical methodological, analytical, and theoretical foundation.

• Interest in questions related to algorithmic, computational, or data-driven technologies and societies or cultures, and in working in a highly interdisciplinary environment with computer scientists, biologists, mathematicians, and economists.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,290 -$12,170 per month. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Franscisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $8,060 - $13, 240 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 (https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay%C2%A0)

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

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .