Among operations research analysts, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for operations research analysts: 43% (high).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

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Microsoft has filed 2 layoff notices in the last twelve months, covering 882 workers, most recently September 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings

About the job

Overview

At Microsoft Research, you will shape the future of systems and AI by creating scalable systems for program and systems verification. You will work on developing state-of-art automated reasoning tools, including SMT solvers. You will work alongside world‑class researchers and engineers to push state of the art in software engineering in the age of powerful coding agents and through rigorous, impactful research.

In this role as a Senior Researcher – Software Verification, you play a critical part in turning foundational ideas into practical advances in software engineering by advancing automated reasoning. You will deepen your expertise in formal methods, large‑scale systems, and integration of AI and agent technologies. You will be collaborating primarily on‑site in Redmond with opportunities for growth and learning across disciplines.

#MSRR #Research

At Microsoft, our mission—to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more—guides how we partner with customers to deliver trusted, impactful solutions. With a growth mindset culture, we innovate responsibly and measure success by shared progress—people, teams, and customers. Join us to do meaningful work that changes the world and helps shape what’s next for everyone.

Responsibilities

Drive high-impact research in rigorous software engineering integrating AI technologies.

Collaborate to develop and test out new ideas within existing or new collaborative teams.

Build and maintain state of the art systems in this space.

Collaborate in preparing technical papers and presentations.

Work with product teams to ensure your technology has world-changing impact.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum

Doctorate in relevant field OR Master's Degree in relevant field AND 3+ years related research experience

OR Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 4+ years related research experience

OR equivalent experience

Preferred

Doctorate (or are currently pursuing) in software engineering, programming languages, automated reasoning, systems, or relevant fields

Experience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributor.

Experience participating in a top conference in relevant research domain.

3 years of experience building large scale systems integrating rigorous methods and AI technologies for software engineering.

Active participation in engineering efforts in the above areas, with involvement in building and maintaining systems.

Active participation in research as demonstrated by publications. Demonstrable ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

Research Sciences IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 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 $160,200 - $261,000 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.