Research Internship: BCI Research Intern

Overview

Research Internships at Microsoft offer a dynamic setting for research careers, with a network of world-class research labs led by globally recognized scientists and engineers. These teams pursue innovation across scientific and technical disciplines, working to solve complex challenges in areas including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.

Brain-Computer Interfaces Research Project

The Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) project at Microsoft Research (MSR) aims to make BCI technology practical and accessible for the general population. The team develops noninvasive approaches that use fewer electrodes and custom signal-acquisition devices to improve usability. Its work centers on interactive BCI systems that use electroencephalographic (EEG) and other biosignals to respond within seconds.

This effort brings together researchers from several groups across Microsoft Research. More about the project, its research areas, and publications is available at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/brain-computer-interfaces/.

Responsibilities

Research Interns turn inquiry and theory into practice. They work alongside doctoral candidates and some of the world's leading researchers, learning, collaborating, and building a network that lasts. Interns advance their own careers while contributing to meaningful research and development. During the 12-week internship, they are paired with mentors and are expected to collaborate with other interns and researchers, present findings, and take part in the community. Research internships cover all areas of research and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.

Additional Responsibilities

Summer Research Interns on the MSR BCI project work on well-defined projects that encourage open exploration and collaboration under dedicated mentors. The internship concludes with a final presentation open to all Microsoft employees, and the project work may also lead to a peer-reviewed scientific publication.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Doctorate Degree program in Computer Science or a related STEM field.

Other Requirements

• Research Interns must be physically located at their manager's Microsoft worksite location for the duration of the internship.
• Applicants must submit a minimum of two reference letters, a cover letter, and any relevant work or research samples. Reference letters can only be requested after the application is submitted, and they may not be requested for all candidates. Applicants may wish to alert their letter writers in advance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ year(s) experience with brain-computer interfaces and processing EEG or other biological signals.
• Experience applying AI and machine learning to process EEG, biosignals, and related sensor data.
• Experience implementing algorithms in practical systems.
• Hands-on system design and implementation skills, including experience with real-time data processing.
• Coding skills in Python, C/C++, or MATLAB.

Compensation

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,810 to $13,480 per month. In the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range is USD $8,920 to $14,610 per month.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Additional benefits and pay information is available at https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay.

Microsoft accepts applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis throughout the academic calendar (September to April). The position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted 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. For religious accommodations or disability-related accommodations during the application process, see requesting accommodations.