Principle Applied Scientist

In Feeds and AI team, we’re building Microsoft Copilot Discover, a content powerhouse for every person on the planet to be informed, entertained, and inspired. Microsoft Start is the place for all to read, watch, listen, create, connect with people of shared interests, and experience wonders in the world.   

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Senior Applied Scientist to join our ranking foundation team. As a Senior Applied Scientist focusing on recommender systems, you will play an important role in contributing to the development and optimization of our online services and offline pipelines within our content ecosystem to achieve product and business growth goals.  

• Algorithm Development and Enhancement for ranking algorithms in News & Feeds. 
• Work with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and implement recommendation algorithms to deliver product features and drive user engagement.
• Optimize existing recommendation algorithms by analyzing performance metrics and user feedback, incorporating advanced machine learning techniques including generative AI techniques.  
• Innovation in the area of NLP, advanced AI solution, and recommender system.
• Perform data analysis to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities to improve the relevance and quality of our recommendation systems.
• Build systemic solutions and models to optimize user experience. 

Required/minimum qualifications:-

• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR equivalent experience.
• 3 years of work experience in recommender systems, search engine, or online advertising, with rich experience on machine learning algorithms, generative AI / advanced AI solution, statistics, data mining techniques, and their application on personalization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to effectively present and explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.  
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with other programming languages like C#, C++ is a plus. 

Additional or preferred qualifications:-

• Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 9+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR equivalent experience.
• 5+ years experience creating publications (e.g., patents, libraries, peer-reviewed academic papers).
• 2+ years experience presenting at conferences or other events in the outside research/industry community as an invited speaker.
• 5+ years experience conducting research as part of a research program (in academic or industry settings).
• 3+ years experience developing and deploying live production systems, as part of a product team.
• 3+ years experience developing and deploying products or systems at multiple points in the product cycle from ideation to shipping.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. 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 with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.