Principal Researcher - Data Systems - Microsoft Research

Microsoft
United States, Washington, Redmond2026-03-04onsite

About the job

We seek a Principal Researcher with expertise in query execution, data storage, resource management for serverless cloud platforms, data discovery, and data preparation techniques. Candidates with experience in leveraging novel hardware, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) for data management challenges are of special interest to us.

Responsibilities

Pursue high-ambition research on data systems in collaboration with other members of the research lab

Build and deploy novel systems

Contribute significant innovations to Microsoft’s products and services

Publish papers on significant research results

Embody our culture and values

Qualifications

Minimum

Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or relevant field AND 3+ years related research experience OR equivalent experience

A track record of research accomplishments, e.g., major conference publications (ACM SIGMOD, VLDB)

Preferred

Doctorate in relevant field AND 5+ years related research experience) OR equivalent experience

Experience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributor

Appetite for undertaking ambitious research challenges

Familiarity with traditional SQL or big data systems cloud platforms

Expertise in key components of data systems, e.g., distributed query execution, resource management for cloud platforms, low-code data transformations

In-depth knowledge of modern hardware

Experience with applying AI and Machine Learning techniques for challenges in data systems