The Principal Machine Learning Scientist role within the Data Science & Applied AI organization at Microsoft focuses on leading the development of advanced AI systems, including large language models and predictive analytics. This position requires deep expertise in machine learning and Generative AI, with a strong emphasis on driving technical strategy and mentoring team members. The successful candidate will influence product roadmaps and deliver measurable business impact across the organization. This role is integral to Microsoft's mission of empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.

• Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 3+ years of data science experience
• Master's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 5+ years of data science experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 7+ years of data science experience
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements

• Define and drive the scientific vision for AI and machine learning initiatives across CEAI.
• Influence technical strategy and roadmap decisions across multiple product and platform teams.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to engineering, product, and executive leadership.
• Lead cross-organizational initiatives involving AI platforms, model development, evaluation systems, and business intelligence capabilities.
• Mentor scientists and engineers while establishing scientific and engineering best practices.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines for ML models, ensuring smooth deployments with minimal downtime.
• Design and deploy robust monitoring and alerting systems for ML models in production.
• Implement model governance, version control, and logging systems to ensure compliance.
• Design and develop AI-native experiences leveraging Large Language Models and AI agents.
• Drive adoption of AI-assisted and AI-native ML development practices.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to build cohesive solutions.
• Provide technical guidance to engineers and drive best practices for MLOps.

• 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.