Research Intern - CXL Memory (Jun 2026)

Research Intern at Microsoft’s Compute System Architecture team focusing on novel memory technology deployments and cloud systems optimization.

Your Role

Here’s what you will be doing:

• Develop and analyze fleet level telemetry metrics to understand new memory technology deployments in the cloud.
• Develop deep insights through workload characterization and correlation to identify systems optimization opportunities using hardware performance monitoring tools.
• Recommend hardware and software optimizations based on observed telemetry.
• Collaborate with diverse workload experts across Microsoft and partner ISVs to engineer TCO-optimized solutions for Azure general-purpose and specialized compute fleet.
• Work within the Compute System Architecture (CSA) team in the System Planning and Architecture (SPARC) organization, part of Azure Hardware Systems & Infrastructure (AHSI).
• Engage in hardware/software co-design and advance novel systems architecture innovations through technical readiness for productization.
• Participate in a 12-week internship paired with mentors, collaborating with other Research Interns and researchers, presenting findings, and contributing to the research community.

About You

The company is looking for:

• Enrollment in a full-time bachelor's, master's, MBA, or PhD program in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field during the academic term immediately before the internship.
• At least one additional quarter/semester of school remaining after the internship.
• Physical presence at the manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the internship duration.
• Submission of a minimum of two reference letters, a cover letter, and relevant work or research samples.
• Preferred qualifications include first-author publication(s) at top-tier venues or comparable research impact.
• Experience with emerging memory technologies such as Compute Express Link (CXL) based memory.
• Clear communication, self-motivation, curiosity, and a bias for hands-on experimentation.
• Interpersonal skills with cross-group and cross-culture collaboration experience.
• Familiarity with computer systems architecture, cache, and memory hierarchy.

Compensation

• Applied Sciences IC2 base pay range: USD $5,610 - $11,010 per month.
• Higher pay range for San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area: USD $7,270 - $12,030 per month.
• Applied Sciences IC3 base pay range: USD $6,710 - $13,270 per month.
• Benefits and perks vary depending on employment nature and country.

Training & Development

• Opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
• Mentorship pairing during the internship.
• Collaboration with world-class researchers and doctoral candidates.

Career Progression

• Advance research careers through collaboration, innovation, and technical readiness for productization within Microsoft’s cloud hardware systems.

How to Apply

• Submit an application including a cover letter, relevant work or research samples, and at least two reference letters.
• Reference letters will be requested after application submission; candidates should notify letter writers in advance.
• Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

This job may close before the stated closing date, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible

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