Overview

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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.

The researchers and engineers in the Cryptography team pursue challenging research that has an impact at Microsoft and the world at large. Most recently we have focused on cryptographic identity, formally verified cryptography, encrypted communications, verifiable elections, zero-knowledge proofs, and high-performance hardware and software implementations of cryptography. We are spinning up new work related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the changes and challenges it brings related to cryptography.

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‍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.

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‍Qualifications‍

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or related STEM field.

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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.

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Preferred Qualifications

We are especially interested in applicants with expertise in one or more of the following:

• Efficient software and hardware cryptographic systems.
• Fully homomorphic encryption (FHE).
• Efficient zero-knowledge proofs.
• Encrypted and authenticated data structures.
• End-to-end encrypted communications.
• Formalization and formal verification of cryptography.
• Verifiable election technologies.

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