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Research Intern - Data Systems

Internship
Technology & Digital
Data / Analytics
Posted:
December 29, 2025

Microsoft

Software, cloud & services
86.9
Palpable Score
Apply >view company >

Overview

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โ€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.

Data systems research at Microsoft Research (MSR) focuses on all aspects of large-scale data systems including query execution, data storage and indexing, resource management for cloud data platforms, data discovery, and data preparation techniques. Candidates with experience in leveraging novel hardware, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) for data management challenges are of special interest to us.

Our past research has been incorporated into Microsoftโ€™s products and services such as SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Power BI, Excel, and Dynamics 365. We have had influential publications at top conferences such as ACM SIGMOD, VLDB, and IEEE ICDE including several best paper awards and test-of-time awards. More details are available at Data Systems Group at Microsoft Research.

During this Research Internship, you will have the opportunity to work with top researchers and engineers at MSR to develop innovative solutions to challenging research problems.

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โ€Responsibilitiesโ€

Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the worldโ€™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.

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โ€Qualificationsโ€

Required Qualifications

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Other Requirements

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Preferred Qualifications

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About the company

Microsoft

Company overview
Microsoft is a global technology company best known for Windows, Microsoft 365, Azure cloud services, and developer tools like GitHub and Visual Studio. Microsoft also builds consumer and enterprise products across gaming (Xbox), search and advertising, cybersecurity, and AI products such as Copilot. Microsoft sells mainly to enterprises, governments, developers, and consumers through a mix of subscriptions, cloud usage, and device and software licensing. Microsoft operates at massive global scale and runs large, repeatable hiring pipelines for both students and full-time roles.

Locations and presence

Microsoft has major offices and engineering hubs across North America, Europe, and Asia, with a large global footprint across many cities listed on Microsoft Careers. Microsoft has been tightening hybrid expectations, including an update to three in-office days per week that starts rolling out from the Puget Sound area from late February 2026.

Palpable Score

86.9
/ 100
Microsoft offers some of the clearest and most repeatable early-career entry points in tech, spanning first-year internships, new-grad hiring, sales and customer-facing early-in-profession tracks, and apprenticeship-style routes. The hiring process is structured and widely documented, and learning support is visible across multiple programs, though team-to-team variation still matters once someone lands. Pay tends to be competitive with strong benefits, and outcomes look positive, but Microsoft does not publish consistent early-career retention and promotion metrics.
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