The Security Research Group at Microsoft Research works on the security and privacy problems created by the shift to AI systems. Our current areas include software and systems security, zero-knowledge proofs, and data-driven security. Our work ranges from foundational results to technologies that ship in Microsoft products.
In this role as a Senior Researcher - Security, you'll be on a team that build things. Our researchers write code, stand up systems, and see implementations through — papers matter, and so does working software. Most of our projects have several people on them, so collaboration is how the group gets its work done: we share problems early, give each other real feedback, and lend time freely. It's a collaborative space, and we like it that way.
#MSRR #Research
At Microsoft, our mission—to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more—guides how we partner with customers to deliver trusted, impactful solutions. With a growth mindset culture, we innovate responsibly and measure success by shared progress—people, teams, and customers. Join us to do meaningful work that changes the world and helps shape what’s next for everyone.
Responsibilities
As a Senior Researcher, you will:
- Conduct original research in security and privacy, and publish at leading venues
- Design, prototype, and implement systems that demonstrate your ideas
- Collaborate with colleagues across the group on shared projects
- Work with Microsoft product teams to bring research into shipping technologies
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Doctorate in relevant field
- OR Master's Degree in relevant field AND 3+ years related research experience
- OR Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 4+ years related research experience
- OR equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- A PhD (or equivalent experience) in computer science or a related field, with a research background in security, machine learning, data mining, systems, or a closely related area.
- Publications at security, privacy, or systems venues
- Hands-on technical depth — you prototype, implement, and debug your own ideas
- Experience doing research as part of a team
- Excellent written and spoken communication
Research Sciences IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $160,200 - $261,000 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
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
- Doctorate in a relevant field
- Master's degree in a relevant field and 3 or more years of related research experience
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 4 or more years of related research experience
- Equivalent relevant experience
- PhD or equivalent experience in computer science or a related field, with research experience in security, machine learning, data mining, systems, or a closely related area
- Experience with large-scale data, including log analysis, streaming data, or distributed data processing systems
- Foundational knowledge of machine learning or statistical modeling and interest in applying these methods to security problems
- Ability to independently drive research projects from formulation through implementation, evaluation, and dissemination
- Collaborative mindset and interest in bridging foundational research with deployed security systems
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Microsoft Insights
What We Do
At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Our mission is grounded in both the world in which we live and the future we strive to create. Today, we live in a mobile-first, cloud-first world, and the transformation we are driving across our businesses is designed to enable Microsoft and our customers to thrive in this world.
