Principal Researcher - Computational Social Science - Microsoft Research

Microsoft • New York City, NY

340d • $137,600 - $267,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Computational Social Science group at Microsoft Research NYC is actively seeking a Principal Researcher to join us in advancing the state-of-the-art in computational social science and online experimentation. The ideal applicant will possess awareness of the theoretical and experimental social science literature, experience with experimental design, as well as demonstrated statistics and computer programming expertise. Microsoft Research offers an exhilarating and supportive environment for cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research with access to an extraordinary diversity of big and small data sources, ample budget for online experimentation, and close links to top academic institutions around the world. We seek applicants with the passion and ability to craft and pursue an independent research program, including a strong publication record at top research venues. The Computational Social Science group in New York includes the following researchers (click on each link to view their respective projects and publications): Dan Goldstein, Jake Hofman, and David Rothschild. We collaborate extensively with the other groups at MSR NYC and New England: FATE (fairness/accountability/transparency/ethics in AI), Economics and Computation, Machine Learning and AI and AI for Systems) and with groups across Microsoft Research. 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. In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Requirements

• Doctorate in a social science, mathematical, or computational field AND 3+ years related research experience using advanced computational methods to address social science questions OR equivalent experience.
• Proven computer programming skills demonstrated by the authorship and/or publication of source code and the completion of programming courses at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Publication record as a lead author or essential contributor at top journals or conferences in areas that overlap with the members of the computational social science group.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
• Experience designing and running large-scale online experiments.
• Participation and activity in the scientific community.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, execute, and implement technology research projects in collaboration with other researchers, engineers, and product groups.
• Craft and pursue an independent research program.
• Contribute to research breakthroughs in the field.
• Realize ideas in products and services used worldwide.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of USD $137,600 - $267,000 per year, with higher ranges for specific locations.
• Access to a diverse range of data sources and ample budget for online experimentation.
• Opportunities for collaboration with top academic institutions.

What This Job Offers

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