Job Details
Posted date: Nov 22, 2025
There have been 4 jobs posted with the title of Principal Researcher - Data Systems - Microsoft Research all time at Microsoft.There have been 4 Principal Researcher - Data Systems - Microsoft Research jobs posted in the last month.
Category: Research Sciences
Location: Redmond, WA
Estimated salary: $222,050
Range: $139,900 - $304,200
Employment type: Full-Time
Work location type: 3 days / week in-office
Role: Individual Contributor
Description
OverviewWe seek a Principal Researcher with expertise in query execution, data storage, resource management for serverless cloud platforms, data discovery, and data preparation techniques. Candidates with experience in leveraging novel hardware, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) for data management challenges are of special interest to us.
Our past research has been incorporated into Microsoft’s products and services such as SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, Power BI, Excel, and Dynamics 365. We have had influential publications at top conferences such as ACM SIGMOD, VLDB, and IEEE ICDE including several best paper awards and test-of-time awards. More details are available at Data Systems Group at Microsoft Research.
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.
In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.
Responsibilities
Pursue high-ambition research on data systems in collaboration with other members of the research labBuild and deploy novel systemsContribute significant innovations to Microsoft’s products and servicesPublish papers on significant research resultsEmbody our culture and values
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or relevant field AND 3+ years related research experience OR equivalent experienceA track record of research accomplishments, e.g., major conference publications (ACM SIGMOD, VLDB)Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate in relevant field AND 5+ years related research experience) OR equivalent experienceExperience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributorAppetite for undertaking ambitious research challengesFamiliarity with traditional SQL or big data systems cloud platformsExpertise in key components of data systems, e.g., distributed query execution, resource management for cloud platforms, low-code data transformationsIn-depth knowledge of modern hardwareExperience with applying AI and Machine Learning techniques for challenges in data systems
Research 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.
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