Principal Researcher - Cloud and AI Infrastructure - Microsoft Research

Microsoft Research Asia – Vancouver lab, located in the vibrant city of Vancouver, BC, Canada, our lab represents Microsoft Research Asia’s exciting expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. We’re on a mission to transform the future of artificial intelligence by bridging the gap between cutting-edge general AI and the specialized, real-world applications that drive meaningful impact.

 

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Researcher - Cloud and AI Infrastructure with a keen interest in advancing cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure architecture, and chip design using AI technologies.

 

At the Vancouver lab, we focus on deeply integrating intelligent systems across every layer of computing—from infrastructure to the physical environment. Our goal is to solve complex, real-world challenges with precision, scalability, and cost-efficiency. This means working at the intersection of AI, human interaction, and environmental context through a dynamic, co-evolutionary process.

 

If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of AI and want to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of intelligent systems, we invite you to explore opportunities with us. This is an opportunity to drive an ambitious research agenda while collaborating with diverse teams to push for novel applications of those areas.

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.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Responsibilities

• In this role, you will investigate and analyze emerging hardware technologies, trends, and advancements to stay ahead of the industry.
• Design and optimize hardware components, systems, and architectures to enhance performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Conduct simulations, tests, and validations to ensure hardware designs meet required specifications and performance goals.
• Develop prototypes and proof-of-concept models to demonstrate new hardware technologies and applications.
• Identify opportunities for hardware improvements and cost reductions by staying informed about industry best practices and standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software researchers, designers, and engineers, to identify hardware requirements and develop innovative solutions.
• Partner with manufacturing vendors and production teams to transition innovative designs and concepts into deployable systems.
• Document research findings, design decisions, and technical specifications to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration within the organization.
• Embody our culture and values.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Doctorate in relevant field AND 3+ years related research experience
• OR equivalent experience. 
• 3+ years experience in research related to infrastructure design, computer architecture, or artificial intelligence.
  
  

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Doctorate in relevant field AND 5+ years related research experience
• OR equivalent experience.
• Experience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributor.
• Experience participating in a top conference in relevant research domain.
• Experience in optimizing or designing hardware components and architectures to enhance performance, reliability, efficiency, etc.
  
  

Research Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across Canada is CAD $142,400 - CAD $257,500 per year.

Find Additional Pay Information Here

https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/canada-pay-information.html

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

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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.