The Principal Security Researcher role on the Microsoft Threat Protection Research Purple Team focuses on enhancing security through advanced adversary simulations and collaboration with engineering teams. This position requires deep experience in threat operations and Defender tooling, aiming to translate attacker tradecraft into actionable insights for defenders. The role operates in an AI-first environment, leveraging innovative systems to improve security outcomes globally. Candidates should have a strong background in blue teams or SOCs and a passion for influencing security strategies.

• Doctorate in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 3+ years experience in relevant fields, OR
• Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 4+ years experience in relevant fields, OR
• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 6+ years experience in relevant fields, OR
• Equivalent experience.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements.

• Design and execute purple team simulations that emulate real-world threat actors and techniques.
• Partner closely with Microsoft Defender engineering, research, and threat intelligence teams.
• Analyze telemetry using Kusto / KQL to validate detection logic and uncover gaps.
• Translate attacker tradecraft into actionable insights for defenders.
• Apply frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK to map adversary behavior and identify coverage gaps.
• Leverage and contribute to threat intelligence by consuming real-world campaign data.
• Design, build, and leverage AI-enabled systems to automate simulation workflows.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of AI-driven detections and defenses.
• Contribute to written simulation reports and technical documentation.

• Employees at Microsoft are often offered comprehensive, “world-class” benefits—including health and mental-wellness programs, competitive pay with bonuses and stock awards, and retirement/savings options. Time-off and flexibility are common, with generous vacation and holidays, parental and caregiver leave, and flexible work schedules, alongside learning support, employee resource groups, product discounts, and matching-gifts/volunteering programs. Specific benefits can vary by region.