Research Scientist, Futures Team (AI)

Location: Mountain View, California, United States; based in and working from the Mountain View office

Base pay: USD $160,200–$261,000 per year in the San Francisco Bay Area. The typical U.S. range is USD $119,800–$234,700 per year.

Company

Microsoft AI develops artificial intelligence technologies, products, and research initiatives.

What you will do

• Conduct rapid, rigorous research for the CEO across frontier AI, the science of intelligence, economics, history, geopolitics, philosophy, product strategy, and culture.
• Synthesize academic papers, technical reports, books, datasets, interviews, and internal research into briefings, memos, talking points, drafts, and presentations.
• Support writing, speaking, and thought leadership through research, argument development, and fact-checking.
• Track AI and adjacent-field developments, identifying implications for Microsoft AI strategy, products, and public positions.
• Support Futures team projects involving scenario work, long-range planning, publications, convenings, and events.
• Build expert networks, coordinate with internal and external partners, manage confidential information, and deliver work to tight deadlines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline and 5+ years of experience in research, analysis, or writing, or a master’s degree/PhD and 3+ years of related experience, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated high-quality research and writing across more than one discipline, evidenced by published work, reports, briefings, or equivalent outputs.
• Ability to rapidly synthesize complex material and communicate it clearly in writing and in person to senior audiences.
• Strong familiarity with AI, including its technical foundations, history, current research frontier, and societal-impact debates.
• Work from the Mountain View, California office is required.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree in any field combined with intellectual range beyond the primary discipline.
• Experience working directly with senior executives, founders, public intellectuals, or political leaders in research, speechwriting, chief of staff, or advisory roles.

Culture & Benefits

• Work directly with the CEO of Microsoft AI and senior leadership.
• Contribute to projects spanning research, strategy, communications, publications, and events.
• Potential eligibility for benefits and additional compensation.
• Handle sensitive and confidential material with discretion and judgment.