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 is investing in automating the hunt for novel malice in volatile memory as well as the search for vulnerabilities in compiled artifacts. At the intersection of cutting-edge Large Language Models (LLMs) and autonomous reverse engineering frameworks, candidates will pitch and build intelligent reverse engineering projects to hunt for supply chain malice, novel threats, and undetected vulnerabilities.

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, 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.

Additional Responsibilities

This Research Internship provides the opportunity to pitch, design, build, and report on a novel binary analysis project of your choosing chosen together with your Microsoft Research (MSR) mentor and internal and external collaborators. Results of this internship may inform cutting-edge commercial, open source and internal products and tools. This Research Internship can provide a unique source of acquisition of Linux or Windows binary executable files and will include exposure to world class security researchers. We are open to projects pitched at the intersection of: Large Language Model automation (LLMs), automated reverse engineering, automated vulnerability discovery and sometimes Capture the Flag contests (CTFs). During the 12-week Research Internship, students are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a master's program in Computer Science, programming language concepts or a related STEM field.

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. 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with low-level programming languages (C/C++/x86) and testing.

• Experience with automated reverse engineering systems.

• Experience with static and dynamic analysis tools.

• Machine learning, data science, Large Language Model expertise or interest.

The base pay range for this internship is - Applied Sciences IC2 : USD $5,090 -$10,120 per month. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, with the San Francisco Bay area and New York City Metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $6,690 -$11,030 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

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) .