Research Intern - Technology for Religious Empowerment

Microsoft Corporation•Redmond, WA

33d•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. Religion and faith shape systems of thought, values, social organization, identity, and politics for billions worldwide. Yet, despite the centrality to human experience, the intersection of technology and religion remains largely unexplored in sociotechnical research. Our goal is to rigorously investigate the opportunities and challenges that arise when integrating Microsoft technologies with the diverse and often unmet needs of religious communities. Empowering religious communities is not only a matter of inclusion but also a business imperative. By understanding and addressing the unique requirements of faith-based organizations, we can ensure our technologies serve a broader spectrum of users and foster deeper trust. Our mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. Ensuring our technologies are accessible and responsive to the needs of all communities, including those organized around religion, is a critical part of this commitment. This summer we will explore critical opportunities for adapting and designing Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to better serve the needs of a diversity of religious communities through model evaluations, product design, customer and employee research, responsible AI practices and more. Our Research Intern will have a range of potential projects to choose from within this domain and will be empowered to shape the work in the direction of their passion and external studies. The Research Internship will combine research and practice and involve collaboration with a range of internal and external stakeholders and aim to catalyze the development of a new research focus in this area.

Requirements

Accepted or currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, social sciences, or a related STEM.
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

Academic study or personal background related to religion, faith, theology or the social scientific study thereof.
Experience in entrepreneurial, multistakeholder or multifunctional settings.
Demonstrated interest in and dedication to issues of religious inclusion, liberty and participation in civic life.
Experience translating abstract, ethical or philosophical principles into concrete, quantifiable metrics.
Experience with multiple emerging technologies, such as, but not limited to, Generative AI, Agentic Systems.
Demonstrated ability in prototyping with modern AI/ML and development platforms.

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.

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