Cambridge Residency Programme - Postdoc Researcher, Generative Experiences & Collaborative Workflows

We are seeking a Researcher for our Cambridge Residency Programme in the area of People-Centric AI at Microsoft Research Cambridge (UK). The position will focus on developing tools that use AI models to generate dynamic or malleable user experiences, where content is generated to fit the needs of end-users, or is co-created and co-evolves with their input. Candidates should be interested in applying generative AI to activity-centric and collaborative scenarios, and have a background in human-AI interaction. Candidates should have experience in prototyping AI-first experiences such as dynamic UI, AI coding/writing interfaces, or similar.

People-Centric AI is a multidisciplinary Research Area to develop knowledge, model capabilities, and experiences that enable human agency and skill, support creativity and collaboration, and ensure equitable representation and participation. As a team, we do this by blending research disciplines, design, and engineering. A key aim is to produce principles and insights to shape human-AI interaction, especially as models are given greater flexibility and control over the content and interfaces they generate, and as the practices and expectations of people using these systems evolve.

We encourage applications from all candidates who are excited to tackle the deep challenges in People-Centric AI related to generative experiences in a multidisciplinary context. This posting will be active until the position is filled, and we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. For more information about the post, questions can be sent by email to the hiring manager Siân Lindley (sianl@microsoft.com).

This position is a part of our two-year residency program and provides a unique opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research.

The successful candidate will use generative AI to develop new methods and prototypes to support groups of users working together, tailoring content and tools to each individual and to the team as a whole. They will contribute by developing technologies and creating reusable technical approaches that shape future AI systems for collaborative activities. They will work closely with HCI and ML researchers, designers, and engineers. They will publish at top research venues.

Required/Minimum Qualifications:

• Completed or on track to a PhD in a relevant field (e.g. HCI, ML, Computer Science) or equivalent industry experience.
• Expertise in researching and developing tools for interactions between generative AI-models and end-users, evidenced by top-tier publications and/or experience.
• Strong software engineering experience in prototype development, robust evaluation frameworks, or training (post-training) language models, preferably both with and without using AI code agents.
• Ability to clearly communicate your research to a diverse audience.
• Motivated to tackle technological problems rooted in real-world human needs, including an interest in how AI systems interact with people and society, and a commitment to designing inclusive, socially impactful technologies.
• Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary setting and iterate technical solutions with feedback from the team/users.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications:

• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team, including the ability to clearly translate technical concepts, ideas, and requirements to non-technical and multi-disciplinary audiences.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.