PostDoc Researcher-FATE (Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics in AI-Microsoft Research

Microsoft Corporation • New York, NY

45d

About The Position

Microsoft Research New York City (MSR NYC) is seeking applicants for one or more Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc) positions in Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics in AI (FATE). This two-year position, to begin in July 2026, is an ideal opportunity for an emerging scholar whose work focuses on the social implications of machine learning and AI. We will begin to review applications on December 15, 2025, and continue to do so until we fill the position. We encourage applicants to submit as close to December 15 as possible for full consideration. As a Post Doc researcher, you will have the opportunity to pursue your own research agenda while interacting with our group's diverse array of researchers and contributing to ongoing research projects. We collaborate extensively with groups at other MSR locations and across Microsoft. The FATE group in NYC is interested in research including but not limited to: sociotechnical approaches to AI evaluation/measurement; developing statistical, computational, and visualization methodologies for AI evaluation/measurement; the challenges of responsible AI in industry practice; AI law and policy; AI transparency; human-AI interaction; AI and critical thought; AI and political economy; AI and sustainability; AI and geopolitics; AI and creative labor; and a wide range of topics that address AI's social impacts from a diversity of disciplinary perspectives. Postdoc researchers receive a competitive salary and benefits, and are eligible for relocation benefits. These positions are for up to two years, starting in July 2026, ending no later than June 30th, 2028. Microsoft Research offers an exhilarating and supportive environment for cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research, with access to an extraordinary diversity of data sources, an open publications policy, and close links to top academic institutions around the world. Applicants should have evidence of research contributions through conference or journal publications or equivalent work and broader contributions to the research community. Applicants must have fulfilled their PhD degree requirements, including submission of their dissertation, prior to joining MSR NYC. We encourage candidates with tenure-track academic job offers to apply (with the option of doing a one-year rather than two-year postdoc), provided they are able to defer their start date by at least one year to accept our position. Microsoft Research is committed to cultivating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the global communities we serve. We actively seek to build an inclusive and equitable research environment where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a broad range of experiences and perspectives. Our team works collectively to ensure that Microsoft Research remains a respectful, collaborative, and high-impact space for all researchers. Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and we are dedicated to this mission across every aspect of our company. Our culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. Join us and help shape the future of the world.

Requirements

• PhD in relevant field (e.g., computer science, statistics, information science, decision sciences, sociology, anthropology, science and technology studies, media studies, law, or related fields), to be conferred by July 2026.

Nice To Haves

• Research ability demonstrated by two conference or journal publications or equivalent writing samples, requested as part of the application.
• Research agenda that overlaps with the Microsoft Research NYC FATE team.
• The ability to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
• Participation and activity in the scientific community.
• Effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• As a Post Doc Researcher, you define your own research agenda in collaboration with other researchers, driving forward an effective program of basic, fundamental, and applied research.
• We highly value collaboration and building new ideas with members of the group and others.
• You may also have the direct opportunity to realize your ideas in products and services used worldwide.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Publishing Industries
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees