Research Intern - IMAIS - Adaptive Closed-Loop Interaction

Microsoft
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
Nov 25, 2024
OverviewResearch Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers, who pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.The Interactive Multimodal AI Systems (IMAIS) group at Microsoft Research seeks a Research Intern to work on a project related to well-being, productivity, and cognition in the workplace. Our group focuses on creating interactive systems that blend the complexity of human experiences with advanced technology. We leverage multimodal generative artificial intelligence (AI) models incorporating multiple sensing modalities such as video, speech, and physiological signals, as well as models of spatial reasoning, human behavior, and affect. Understanding and influencing well-being in the workplace requires interdisciplinary efforts in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Affective Computing, Machine Learning, Systems, Design, Psychology, and human physiology. We enable interactions through various modalities-including touch, gestures, speech, sound, gaze, smell, and physiological signals-and consider wearables and other devices integral to delivering next-generation computing experiences. During this Research Internship, you will collaborate with IMAIS members on a research project designed to identify new techniques for understanding and improving people's well-being, productivity, and cognition. Examples of related projects include multimodal processing for behavioral and physiological sensing, image-grounded language understanding and generation, building and deploying agents for productivity and well-being support, and reducing cognitive load for information workers. Our systems span a wide range of devices-including wearables, handheld, stationary, head-mounted, on-body, and midair-and are explored across environments from 2D screens to 3D immersive spaces. We value building and evaluating systems to validate our research and reveal new avenues of innovation. 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. ResponsibilitiesResearch Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world's best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research Interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.