Principal Applied Science Manager

Job description

Copilot Tuning is a new product that aims to fine-tune LLMs (Large Language Model) on tenant data, enabling task-specific agents and solutions.

We are a small, nimble team that is advancing the state of the art of models in M365 Copilot.

Come join our team and help transform the LLM experience in the enterprise.

We are seeking a **Principal Applied Science Manager** with research and coding experience and the desire to pursue the cutting edge in model and agent development that pushes technological boundaries.

We are looking for candidates with interest and experience in language models, data pipelines, and coding experience, with a passion for both coding and science.

Knowledge on compliant training and data pipelines, applied science experimentation agility, and leadership is also desired.

We provide a nurturing environment to support passionate researchers and engineers in technology innovation.

We seek candidates that excel in deep thinking, advanced development, and fast-paced entrepreneurial execution in a collaborative setting.

In this position, the candidate will also be expected to mentor and grow early in career scientists.

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.

**Responsibilities**

+ Lead and manage a team of applied scientists on tuning LLMs for tenant-specific solutions in the M365 Copilot ecosystem.
+ Engage directly with customers to understand their unique needs and challenges, translating customer insights into actionable requirements that guide the development and customization of LLM-based solutions within the M365 Copilot ecosystem.
+ Mentor and support early-career scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages technical growth and experimentation.
+ Oversee and contribute to research initiatives, including designing and executing applied science experiments to push the boundaries of LLM capabilities.
+ Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver task-specific agents and solutions, maintaining agility in both coding and scientific development processes.

**Qualifications**

**Required Qualifications:**

+ Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
+ OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
+ OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
+ OR equivalent experience.
+ 3+ years of people management experience.
+ 3+ years of experience training/fine tuning AI/ML models, LLMs/SLMs (small language model).
+ 3+ years' experience with productization or shipping ML and/or AI components at internet scale.

**Other Requirements:**

Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role.

These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:

+ Microsoft Cloud Background Check: **This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon** hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

**Preferred Qualifications:**

+ 5+ years of people management experience.
+ 5+ years experience creating publications (e.g., patents, libraries, peer-reviewed academic papers).
+ 2+ years experience presenting at conferences or other events in the outside research/industry community as an invited speaker.
+ 5+ years experience conducting research as part of a research program (in academic or industry settings).
+ 3+ years experience developing and deploying live production systems, as part of a product team.
+ 3+ years experience developing and deploying products or systems at multiple points in the product cycle from ideation to shipping.

Applied Sciences M6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $163,000 - $296,400 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 $220,800 - $331,200 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

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until October 26, 2025.

#M365 #CopilotTuning

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer.

Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .

Required Skill Profession

Other General