Research Intern - Algorithms Group: Privacy and Synthetic Data

Microsoft Corporation•Redmond, WA

32d•Onsite

About The Position

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. The Algorithms group at MSR Redmond is looking for Research Interns to advance research in differentially private synthetic data generation. Opportunities include advancing our existing work on Private Evolution (see examples below), designing innovative algorithms, and/or applying them to high-impact real-world projects. Differentially Private Synthetic Data via Foundation Model APIs 1: Images (ICLR 2024) Differentially Private Synthetic Data via Foundation Model APIs 2: Text (ICML 2024 Spotlight) Differentially Private Synthetic Data via APIs 3: Using Simulators Instead of Foundation Models Struct-Bench: A Benchmark for Differentially Private Structured Text Generation (NeurIPS 2025) Synthesize Privacy-Preserving High-Resolution Images via Private Textual Intermediaries (NeurIPS 2025) Our researchers and Research Interns have been conducting influential research published in top-tier venues such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR. For more details on our research group and projects, please see:â¯https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/group/algorithms-redmond/ For the fullest consideration, please apply by January 1, 2026.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a master's or PhD program in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
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 as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples.
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.

Nice To Haves

Some publications at top theoretical CS or ML conferences (STOC, FOCS, SODA, NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, etc.) or top journals.

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.