Microsoft Research New England is looking for advanced Ph.D. students who are bringing sociotechnical perspectives to analyze critical issues of our time, to apply for our summer internship. They will join a team of social scientists who use qualitative or quantitative, empirical or critical methods to study the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shape technologies and their consequences. Our work draws on and spans several disciplines, including anthropology, communication, sociology, gender & sexuality studies, history, information studies, law, media studies, science & technology studies. Applications are due December 6, 2024.
To apply, fill out the online application form here: APPLY. But read on! Lots of useful info below.
Our 2025 internships will be in-person, based in our Cambridge, MA lab.
We are especially interested in candidates bringing sociotechnical approaches to the study of:
- the cultural, political, and ethical implications of our increasing reliance on semi-automated, global, data-centric digital systems;
- emerging uses of, norms about, and media representations of new information technologies, particularly in relation to shifting work dynamics, creative expression, and social relationships;
- the intersectional dimensions of identity as they entangle with these systems, including: race, caste, and indigeneity; genders and sexualities; class and socioeconomic status;
- how existing political and commercial institutions both configure and are configured by sociotechnical systems;
- the political economies and organizational forms of digital labor – especially hidden data work – whether in community, government, non-profit, creator economy, or private-sector contexts;
- alternative approaches to the design and governance of responsible technologies, emphasizing equity, community engagement, and mutual aid;
- the public responsibilities of algorithms, generative AI, machine learning, platforms, metrics, and other manifestations of computational cultures.
Questions our researchers are currently focused on include:
- How are cultural norms emerging around generative AI? (Nancy Baym)
- How do platforms, algorithmic intermediaries, and generative AI, through their design and policies, shape public discourse? (Tarleton Gillespie)
- How could commercial AI models and tools better account for diverse social settings and labor practices, to promote more equitable outcomes – particularly those that cannot be easily measured? (Mary L. Gray)
For more information about us, and a list of past interns, visit the About page of our blog. For a complete list of all permanent researchers and current postdocs based at the New England lab, see the MSRNE lab webpage.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The ideal candidate may be trained in any number of disciplines (including but not limited to anthropology, communication, sociology, gender & sexuality studies, history, information studies, law, media studies, science & technology studies, or a related field), but should have a strong social scientific, empirical, or critical foundation – methodologically, analytically, and theoretically. They should be interested in social scientific questions related to algorithmic, computational, or data-driven technologies and societies or cultures, and be interested in working in a highly interdisciplinary environment with computer scientists, biologists, mathematicians, and economists.
In addition to pursuing their proposed research project, interns are also expected to give short presentations on their project, attend the weekly lab colloquia, and contribute to the life of the lab through weekly lunches with fellow PhD interns and the broader lab community. There are also natural opportunities for collaboration within our group, and with others currently working at MSRNE.
Some of the compensation and benefits of this position include:
- highly competitive salary
- housing stipend
- internship events and activities
- eligibility to enroll in a Microsoft sponsored medical plan (though most interns stay covered under their university insurance)
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must have advanced to candidacy (or the equivalent) in their PhD program by the time they start their internship (approximately May 2025). Unfortunately, there are no opportunities for Master’s students or early PhD students at this time.
Applicants from historically marginalized communities and those underrepresented in higher education are encouraged to apply. We also welcome applicants from outside North America.
To apply for this PhD internship, fill out the online application form here: APPLY …the application portal may prompt you to set up an account first; thanks for your patience.
Your application must include:
1. A short description (no more than 2 pages, single-spaced…yes, you may use a separate sheet for citations, that won’t count against you) of 1 project (please, no more than 2 projects) that you propose to do while interning at MSRNE, independently and/or in collaboration with current SMC researchers. Project proposals can be related to, but should be distinct from, your dissertation research. We are looking for projects that can realistically be completed during a 12-week internship, with an eye towards a single publication. Be specific in telling us:
- What is the research question animating your proposed project?
- What methods would you use to address your question?
- How does your research question complement and enhance the themes listed above?
- Who do you hope to reach (who are you engaging) with this proposed research?
Don’t forget that this is a 12-week internship. We are looking for projects that can realistically be completed during the internship with an eye towards a single publication.
2. A brief description of your dissertation project (no more than 1 page, single spaced; feel free to attach a separate citations page—we will not include that in the page count).
3. One academic article-length manuscript (~7,000 words or more) that you have authored or co-authored (published or unpublished) that demonstrates your writing skills.
4. Your CV.
5. If available, pointers to your website or other online presence (this is not required).
6. You will be asked to enter the names and email contact information for two potential academic letters of reference (one must be your dissertation advisor). Note: please tell your recommenders that despite the auto-request for a letter of recommendation, they do not need to submit letters unless they are contacted by a member of the search committee, after our initial review of applications.
Some system debugging advice: If you find that the application looks “submitted” before you finish uploading your materials, login to the system and upload the files under your Profile. Likewise, if you’re running into problems with your references, login to the system and go to Action Center, where you should be able to edit your references. If you face other struggles with the application system, you can email askgta@microsoft.com (Sorry from all of us for how frustrating the application system is.)
If you have any questions about the internship or the required application materials, you can email tarleton AT microsoft DOT com – please use “2025 Sociotechnical Systems PhD Internship” for the subject line.
TIMELINE
Applications are due December 6, 2024. Due to the volume of applications, late submissions (including submissions missing elements of the application package other than letters of recommendation) will not be considered. We will not be able to provide specific feedback on individual applications before or after submission. Finalists will be contacted in January 2025 to arrange an online interview. Applicants chosen for an internship will be informed in February.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal records, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.
Benefits/perks may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.
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