Drive innovation at Microsoft Research Cambridge by joining a world-class team pioneering breakthroughs in robotics and AI infrastructure. Collaborate across disciplines to develop impactful solutions for datacenter automation and next-generation intelligent systems. Work alongside leading experts, leverage state-of-the-art technology, and contribute to projects that shape the future of computing. This is a unique opportunity to accelerate your career, expand your skills, and make a tangible impact at Microsoft and beyond in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment where your ideas drive real-world change.
- Contract Type: Internship (12 Weeks)
- Location: Cambridge UK
Responsibilities
- Lead and collaborate on innovative robotics research projects, designing, prototyping, and validating new algorithms and control strategies.
- Design Real2Sim and Sim2Real strategies for robot model learning and robot motion planning for a custom robot.
- Work closely with a multidisciplinary team to address both fundamental and applied research challenges.
- Plan, design, and execute experiments to test and validate prototypes in simulation and real-world scenarios.
- Join a vibrant, mentor-guided research community for a 12-week internship, collaborating with fellow interns and leading researchers.
- Gain hands-on experience, present your work, and expand your professional network while making a real impact at Microsoft Research.
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications:
- Enrolled in PhD program (or recently completed) in Computer Science, Robotics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of robotics, such as kinematics, dynamics, and motion control.
- Hands-on experience programming robots, developing control system algorithms, and integrating software with hardware.
- Experience with robotic simulators – e.g. MuJoCo, IsaacSim etc.
- Ability to thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.
Preferred/Additional Qualifications:
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and/or C++ for simulation development, integration, or data pipeline automation.
- Strong publication record in top robotics venues (e.g., ICRA, RA-L, IROS, CoRL).
- Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of robotics, such as manipulation and grasping, perception, kinematics, dynamics, and motion control.
- Hands-on experience programming robots, developing control system algorithms, and integrating software with hardware.
The base pay for this internship is £ 4,853.00 per month. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/interns-corporate-pay.html
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.
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled in a PhD program or recently completed a PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
- Expertise in robotics areas such as kinematics, dynamics, or motion control
- Hands-on experience programming robots, developing control system algorithms, and integrating software with hardware
- Experience with robotic simulators such as MuJoCo or Isaac Sim
- Ability to work effectively in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams
- Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for simulation development, integration, or data pipeline automation
- Strong publication record in robotics venues such as ICRA, RA-L, IROS, or CoRL
- Expertise in robotics areas such as manipulation, grasping, perception, kinematics, dynamics, or motion control
- Hands-on experience programming robots, developing control system algorithms, and integrating software with hardware
Microsoft Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Microsoft and has not been reviewed or approved by Microsoft.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is presented as broadly competitive overall, with clear role/level/location variation and an emphasis on using posted ranges and band information for apples-to-apples comparisons.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are described as a standout, highlighted by a strong 401(k) match structure and immediate vesting, plus additional plan features for tax-advantaged saving.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-oriented benefits are portrayed as a meaningful strength, with substantial paid parental leave and added supports like back-up care and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
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