Principal Research Manager/Senior Principal Research Manager

Overview

As Principal Research Manager, you will shape the long-term scientific direction of the Machine Intelligence team at Microsoft Research Cambridge and build a high-performing research group. You will mentor researchers, define ambitious programs, and drive impact across products, science, and society. You will work across disciplines and partners to connect foundational work with real-world opportunities. This role offers the chance to lead scientific discovery while fostering an environment for researchers to pursue their unique work.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve a research agenda advancing machine intelligence
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing research team with a culture of excellence and inclusion
• Contribute technical insight and strategic guidance to the team’s work
• Drive research programs from conception to impact
• Build collaborations across MSR, product groups, academia, and external partners
• Communicate research vision and progress to technical and executive audiences
• Identify opportunities to translate foundational work into product, science, and societal impact
• Help shape the long-term direction of machine intelligence research at MSR

Key requirements

• PhD or equivalent research experience in a quantitative discipline
• internationally recognized research record with contributions in ML/AI or related fields
• experience leading and developing high-performing research teams or programs
• deep technical understanding of modern ML methods and ability to identify significant opportunities
• proven ability to define strategy, execute long-term goals, and deliver impact
• excellent communication and collaboration across disciplines and organizational boundaries

• leadership
• collaboration
• strategic thinking
• deep technical understanding of modern machine learning methods
• ML engineering and coding skills
• statistical analysis

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