If you’re graduating with a PhD from a computer science program, applying to be a researcher or postdoc at Microsoft Research might seem obvious. But what I’ve learned is that few students in nearby departments are even aware that we hire postdocs and researchers who didn’t graduate from CS programs. We do! At Microsoft Research New England, we are especially interested in attracting postdocs from the social sciences, economics, communications, information schools, etc. This may be true in other labs as well so I wanted to post a general call for those who might not think of Microsoft Research as a place to apply.

Microsoft Research is seeking applicants for postdoctoral researchers. Microsoft Research provides a vibrant research environment with an open publications policy and with close links to top academic institutions across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Postdoc researcher positions provide an opportunity to develop your research career and to interact with some of the top minds in the research community, with the potential to have your research realized in products and services that will be used worldwide. Postdoc researchers are invited to define their own research agenda and demonstrate their ability to drive forward an effective program of research. Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. and a well-established research track record as demonstrated by journal publications and conference papers, as well as participation on program committees, editorial boards, and advisory panels.

Postdoc researchers receive a competitive salary and benefits package, and are eligible for relocation expenses. Postdoc researchers are hired for a one or two year fixed term appointment. Successful Postdoc researchers may be invited to apply for permanent positions if available towards the end of fixed term period. Postdoc positions are typically hired on the academic school calendar. For most positions, there is no deadline, but candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by December for the following fall.

Qualifications include a strong academic record in anthropology, communications, computer science, economics, information science, sociology, or related fields. Applicants must have completed the requirements for a PhD, including submission of their thesis, prior to joining Microsoft Research.

NOTE: Microsoft Research New England is especially looking for postdoc researchers working in areas related to social media and social networks, particularly from a social science perspective. Those interested in such a postdoc should be certain to apply by December 15, 2009 and indicate “Social Computing” as an area of interest and “New England, U.S.” as a desired location. Candidates involved in social media are also encouraged to indicate “danah boyd” as their Microsoft Research Contact.

Qualified candidates should submit their applications online:
http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/jobs/fulltime/researcher.aspx

Applicants are welcome to apply for positions in multiple labs. Applicants are encouraged to specify areas of research in which they are most interested and specific researchers with whom they would like to work. To explore current researchers at Microsoft Research, see: http://research.microsoft.com/apps/dp/pe/people.aspx

Current PhD students are also encouraged to explore internship opportunities. To learn more about or apply for an internship, see: http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/jobs/intern/apply.aspx (Note: MSR New England only takes on advanced PhD students as interns but other labs accept junior PhD students.)