We’re hiring Principal Applied Scientists with expertise in areas such as Deep Learning, Ad Tech, Ads Recommendation Systems, Sequential Modeling and Large Language Models (LLMs). Join the Signals Modeling team, part of Microsoft AI Ads Engineering, to shape the future of advanced AI at web scale.

This role is available in either Redmond, WA or Mountain View, CA.

In this role, the Principal Applied Scientist will design and implement state-of-the-art machine learning models and algorithms that power key systems within Microsoft Ads, Bing Users, Copilot, and beyond. The work will directly impact millions of users and advertisers by delivering scalable solutions that enhance ad retrieval, ad relevance and optimize both user and advertiser experiences.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

Develop and deploy cutting-edge machine learning models, including transformers, generative AI, and reinforcement learning, to optimize user interactions, ad retrieval and relevance across Microsoft Ads and Copilot.
Design scalable algorithms for online and offline systems, delivering innovative solutions for ad selection, matching quality, and ad generation.
Drive experimentation through A/B testing and offline validation to evaluate model performance.
Build robust data pipelines and frameworks for handling large-scale, high-dimensional datasets to support advanced AI applications.
Stay at the forefront of AI research, incorporating the latest advancements to drive innovation and impact across Microsoft platforms.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
- OR equivalent experience.
6+ years of experience in developing and deploying large-scale machine learning models.
6+ years working experience in statistical natural language processing (NLP) with latest deep learning technologies including transformer and LLMs.
6+ years working experience with coding in production systems using C++, C#, Java, Python or any other programming language.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proven experience developing end to end analytics solutions or ML systems for real world applications.
Proven experience in programming and data analysis skills.
Proven expertise in the areas of Generative AI, deep learning, Reinforcement learning, transformers or LLM.
Proven experience in online advertising.

Applied Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until August 19, 2025.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.