Microsoft Research is offering the unique opportunity to work in Cambridge for a 12-week (or longer) internship in the development of cutting-edge technologies that will underpin the next generation of cloud infrastructure. The Cloud Infrastructure team is engaged in a cutting-edge research program to improve storage, computation, and networking at cloud scale using advanced optical technologies in combination with computer systems research and machine learning. 

In the optical storage field, we are aiming to revolutionise how data is stored in the cloud. Project Silica leverages recent discoveries in laser technology to store archival data in quartz glass. Polarised femtosecond lasers are used to write data into glass and optical polarisation microscopes are used for readout. In Project HSD we are developing new approaches to Holographic Optical Storage technology to dramatically speed up read/write operation rates for data storage in the cloud.

In the optical networking field, we aim to develop disruptive optical technologies for the next generation cloud infrastructure. For example, project Sirius is targeted at asking whether ultra-fast optical switching within the datacentre can enable the continuation of Moore’s law.

Finally, in the optical compute field, we are investigating super-efficient optical primitives that can be integrated as photonic accelerators into end-to-end systems of specific workloads.

“We are anticipating this will be  a virtual internship and the intern must be physically located in UK at the time of their application and during the duration of their internship”

Responsibilities

During the internship you will work with an interdisciplinary team including computer scientists, optical scientists, industrial designers, electronic engineers, mechanical engineers and machine learning experts.  This provides a unique opportunity to work across disciplines as we seek to research and solve some of the most challenging problems that we are seeing in the cloud today

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD in optical communications, electrical engineering, computer science, physics or closely related field
• Highly motivated attitude and passion to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Fluency in English (verbal and written)
• Software skills (Matlab, Python, C/C++)

• Expertise and interest in one or more of the following areas:
• Understanding of classical optics and physics.
• Experience/knowledge of signal processing techniques and their practical implementation
• Experience of femtosecond laser material processing
• Experience with optical design and simulation software, e.g. Zemax or Lumerical
• Practical experience and theoretical understanding of optical imaging technologies, especially microscopy and Fourier optics
• Practical experience in implementation of free-space and fibre-based optical systems
• Experience/knowledge of photonic integrated circuits.
• Experience/knowledge of optical communication systems and networks

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. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.