Principal Applied Scientist

Microsoft Corp

New York, NY

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$139,900–$274,800 Per Year
SKILLS
A/B Testing, Algorithms, Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Customer/Consumer Behavior, Data Analysis, Data Management, Data Sets, Deep Learning, Econometrics, Electrical Engineering, Integrated Circuits (ICs), Legal, Machine Learning, Microsoft Product Family, Model Validation, Performance Modeling, Predictive Modeling, Reinforcement Learning, Software Administration, Statistics, User Interface/Experience (UI/UX), Validation Testing
LOCATION
New York, NY
POSTED
30+ days ago

Overview

Join the Signals Modeling team, part of Microsoft AI Ads Engineering, to shape the future of advanced AI at web scale.

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, Copilot, and beyond. The work will directly impact millions of users and advertisers by delivering scalable solutions that enhance ad relevance and optimize 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.

Starting January 26, 2026, Microsoft AI (MAI) employees who live within a 50-mile commute of a designated Microsoft office in the U.S. or 25-mile commute of a non-U.S., country-specific location are expected to work from the office at least four days per week. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy cutting-edge machine learning models, including transformers, generative AI, and reinforcement learning, to optimize user interactions and ad relevance across Microsoft Ads and Copilot. • Design scalable algorithms for online and offline systems, delivering innovative solutions for ads selection, ad generation and ad relevance. • Drive experimentation through A/B testing and offline validation to evaluate model performance and refine user behavior predictions. • 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:

• Bachelors Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) • Masters Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) • Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) • Equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 9+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) • Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) • Equivalent experience

• Proven experience in programming and data analysis skills • Proven expertise in the areas of Generative AI, deep learning, Reinforcement learning, transformers or LLM • 6+ years of experience in developing and deploying large-scale machine learning models

Microsoft AI 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

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.

About the Company

M

Microsoft Corp

DO WHAT YOU LOVE
Make your mark on the world’s most used technologies. Develop the next hit mobile application. Pioneer a startup that could be the next big thing. At Microsoft, you choose your path.

Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft is a top innovator in both the consumer and enterprise technology industry. Just a few of the many things our products do are unleash creativity, connect businesses, and make learning more fun. But our continued success is based on one thing: our employees. We hire amazing, talented people and give them the opportunities—and the tools—to succeed.

WHY MICROSOFT?
As a Microsoft employee, you’re surrounded by a diverse group of the smartest people in your field. This fosters new ideas, better business results, and creates a dynamic work environment. In the office, you’re constantly challenged and supported by your colleagues. Every day holds something new and exciting.

We also offer unparalleled depth and breadth of career opportunities. As an industry leader in multiple fields, working for Microsoft means being able to do whatever you feel passionate about—and being able to make an impact in that field. From day one, we give our employees significant responsibility. This means that you’ll know that you directly contributed to something that has a positive impact on people worldwide. Whether you choose to work in management, dive deep into the newest technology, or explore multiple professions, you’ll find everything you need at Microsoft to drive your career—and to make a difference.

WE GET IT – YOU’RE MORE THAN YOUR JOB
Everyone works differently and is motivated by different things. We also understand that there’s more to you than your job. That’s why we offer competitive pay and a wide assortment of benefits-- to help you make the most of life at work and away from it.

GET THE BALL ROLLING
COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Computer Software
FOUNDED
1975
WEBSITE
http://www.microsoft.com