Principal Research Manager/Senior Principal Research Manager

Overview

The Machine Intelligence team at Microsoft Research Cambridge conducts foundational research aimed at understanding and advancing machine intelligence. We explore the principles that enable intelligent systems to learn, reason, remember, adapt, communicate, and act effectively in complex environments.

Our research focuses on advancing the core capabilities of future AI systems, including memory and retrieval, reasoning, efficient learning and inference, agentic behaviour, novel model architectures, optimization algorithms, alignment, and human-AI collaboration. We combine theoretical, empirical, and systems research to develop the scientific foundations of the next generation of intelligent systems.

We are seeking a Principal Research Manager to lead and expand this research agenda. The successful candidate will help define the long-term scientific direction of the team, build and mentor outstanding researchers, and drive programs that advance the state of the art in machine intelligence. They will work across disciplines and organisations to connect foundational research with emerging opportunities in products, science, and society.

The most suited candidate combines a distinguished research record with a demonstrated ability to lead people, shape strategy, and identify important scientific questions before they become mainstream. They are excited by both scientific discovery and the challenge of building an environment in which researchers can do their own unique work.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve a research agenda that advances the state of the art in machine intelligence.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of researchers, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and inclusion.
• Remain deeply engaged in the team's technical work, contributing research insight, scientific judgment, and strategic guidance.
• Drive ambitious research programs from conception through execution and impact.
• Build collaborations across Microsoft Research, product groups, academia, and other external partners.
• Communicate research vision, progress, and insights to technical and executive audiences.
• Identify opportunities to translate foundational research into meaningful impact for products, science, and society.
• Help shape the long-term direction of machine intelligence research within Microsoft Research.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD or equivalent research experience in machine learning, computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• An internationally recognized research record with demonstrated contributions in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing research teams or complex research programs.
• Deep technical understanding of modern machine learning methods and the scientific judgment required to identify significant research opportunities.
• Proven ability to define research strategy, execute against long-term goals, and deliver scientific or real-world impact.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively across research disciplines and organizational boundaries.

Preferred

• Strong hands-on ML engineering and coding skills.
• Expertise in statistical analysis and mathematical modelling.
• Experience translating research into products, systems, or business impact.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience building partnerships across academia, industry, and product organizations.
• Thought leadership demonstrated through publications, patents, open-source contributions, invited talks, or other influential contributions.
• Experience developing long-term research strategy in rapidly evolving technical areas.

Research Sciences M5 - The typical base pay range for this role across United Kingdom is £ 93,500.00 - £ 161,800.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/united-kingdom-corporate-pay.html

Research Sciences M6 - The typical base pay range for this role across United Kingdom is £ 119,100.00 - £ 178,700.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/united-kingdom-corporate-pay.html

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.