JobsPrincipal Researcher and Senior Principal Researcher - Software Verification - Microsoft Research
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Principal Researcher and Senior Principal Researcher - Software Verification - Microsoft Research

Microsoft

Location

Redmond, WA

Type

Full-time

Posted

10/15/2026

Compensation

$142,800 - $331,200 per year

PhD with 5+ Years of Experience
Undergraduate with 5+ Years of Experience
Master's with 5+ Years of Experience
H-1B FY202696.0% approval-64% YoY
👑 Elite sponsor

Job description

The role of Principal Researcher or Senior Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research focuses on advancing research in systems software verification by integrating AI technologies. The position involves collaboration with world-class researchers and engineers to develop innovative solutions that impact software development and maintenance. The researcher will deepen their expertise in formal methods and large-scale systems while working primarily on-site in Redmond. Microsoft values a culture of inclusion and collaboration, aiming to empower individuals and organizations globally.

Requirements

  • Doctorate in a relevant field and 3+ years of related research experience, or a Master's Degree in a relevant field and 4+ years of related research experience, or a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and 6+ years of related research experience, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience publishing academic papers as a lead author or essential contributor.
  • Experience participating in a top conference in the relevant research domain.
  • Demonstrable ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

Responsibilities

  • Drive high-impact research in software verification integrating AI technology.
  • Collaborate to develop and test 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 a world-changing impact.

Benefits

  • 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.

H-1B filing history

Public USCIS petition and DOL LCA counts · latest USCIS FY2026, LCA FY2026

Filing entity: Microsoft Corporation

As of Aug 23, 2026

Initial approvals

503

FY2026

Approval rate

96.0%

FY2026

LCA certified

3,062

FY2026

Entry-level share

5.7%

FY2026

Initial approvals YoY

-64%

Trend

LCA certified YoY

-83%

Trend

Initial approvals by fiscal year

Approval rate by fiscal year

Continuing vs initial approvals

LCA certified positions by quarter

LCA certified positions by fiscal year

Based on public USCIS and DOL filings; not a sponsorship guarantee.

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