Research Intern - Azure Cloud Server Performance

Job Description

Research 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. We are building new systems to optimize the millions of server nodes underlying the Microsoft Azure cloud. You will be part of a dynamic and collaborative team chartered to understand and improve how hardware and software ingredients come together to form our Azure VM products. Our work includes optimizing fleet performance, competitive comparisons, developing tools that leverage AI, and providing input to hardware selection.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• At least 1 year or project's worth of experience working with CPU performance counters, such as with EMON, Linux perf, or a similar method of working directly with microarchitectural performance counters in a hardware system, simulation, or emulation environment.
• Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
• In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.
• Ability to independently drive research ideas, plus collaborate with other researchers and development teams.
• Research publications on microarchitectural techniques, performance benchmarking, or cloud workload analysis.
• At least 1 year of experience working with a microarchitectural simulator, such as gem5 or Simplescalar.

Responsibilities

• Research 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.
• In this role, you will work to understand and classify cloud workload behavior. You will develop usage models based on hardware telemetry and use the data collected to influence benchmark selection and which hardware we put into next generation cloud systems. You will also gain insight into what workloads matter in a hyperscale public cloud and how platform and hardware design choices affect cloud customer experience and operational efficiency. The knowledge you gain will help you create the future of at-scale computing.

Benefits

• Industry leading healthcare
• Educational resources
• Discounts on products and services
• Savings and investments
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Generous time away
• Giving programs
• Opportunities to network and connect