As a Principal Applied Science Manager, you will lead a team of skilled applied scientists in advancing Microsoft Word's intelligent writing assistance capabilities. This role demands a strategic thinker with a robust background in natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML), who can drive the development of cutting-edge AI solutions that align with our mission to improve writing experiences across M365.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership. Develop and implement a roadmap for AI projects that aligns with business goals and customer needs, leveraging both internal and external research advancements.
2. Cross-Functional Collaboration. Build and maintain strong relationships with product and business group leaders to integrate technology effectively and drive business impact.
3. Project Management. Oversee the end-to-end delivery of AI projects, ensuring they enhance the writing experience across various scenarios and domains.
4. Innovation and Excellence. Evaluate and adopt best practices, tools, technologies, and methods to maximize team productivity and project success.
5. Responsible AI. Ensure that all research and solutions adhere to responsible AI principles, addressing potential risks and ethical considerations.
6. Team Development. Foster a culture of innovation, learning, and collaboration. Provide coaching and mentoring to team members to support their professional growth.

Basic Qualifications

1. Educational Background. PhD in Computational Linguistics, Computer Science, or related field with a focus on NLP and machine learning.
2. Experience. Minimum of 5 years leading and managing applied science teams in industry or academia, with a strong track record of delivering impactful AI solutions.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in NLP and machine learning, with familiarity with recent advancements in these fields.
• Proficiency in Python, C#, or other programming languages.
• Hands-on experience with AI frameworks and tools such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, or OpenAI.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms like Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud.
• Knowledge of DevOps, CI/CD, and MLOps practices.
• Skills: Excellent communication, collaboration, problem-solving skills, and a customer-centric approach.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Publications and Patents. Demonstrated impact through patents, libraries, datasets, or peer-reviewed papers showcasing cutting-edge research.
2. Conference Experience. Experience presenting at conferences or industry events to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration.
3. Applied Research. Proven track record in conducting deep learning and NLP research to solve complex customer problems and deliver innovative solutions.

Why Microsoft?

Join us at Microsoft and be part of a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to making a global impact. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility of remote work. We are committed to equality and providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the application process.

To Apply. Please submit your resume, highlighting your experience in NLP, machine learning, and leadership. Include a cover letter that explains your fit for the role and your alignment with Microsoft's mission and values.