Microsoft
Senior Applied Scientist

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Senior Applied Scientist
Senior Applied Scientist – Copilot Tuning
Overview
Copilot Tuning is a new product focused on fine-tuning large language models (LLMs) using tenant data to enable task-specific agentic solutions. This mission-driven nimble team is at the forefront of advancing LLM capabilities in Microsoft 365 Copilot—transforming generative AI experiences in the enterprise.
We’re seeking Senior Applied Scientists (Multiple Positions) to design, develop, and deploy leading-edge AI products. Ideal candidates will combine strong research & development expertise with a passion for solving complex challenges in cloud and machine learning, while working hands-on with customer data to generalise impactful insights. You will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, delivering innovative solutions at scale under Microsoft’s mission to empower individuals and organisations.
As a team that values innovation-driven collaboration, we foster a culture built on respect, integrity, and accountability. Together, we drive breakthrough work that democratises cutting-edge AI for impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, build, test, and deploy cloud-based AI applications with high performance and scalability
- Architect and develop LLM-based agentic systems, ensuring seamless integration with enterprise workloads in M365 Copilot
- Partner with customer facing teams to diagnose and resolve pain points, informing direction for large-scale LLM tuning
- Document and share research findings (including experiments, findings, and solutions) across interdisciplinary teams
- Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering growth within our collaborative studio
Minimum Required Qualifications
You’ll bring foundational expertise in research-driven AI development to this role. We require one of the following combinations:
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
| Option | Degree | Years of Experience (Required) | Experience Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bachelor’s in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, EE/CE, or related field | 4+ years in related domains: predictive modelling, LLM research, cloud systems | Applicable to AI, ML, large-scale computing |
| 2 | Master’s in same fields | 3+ years | Research-driven LLMOffset |
| 3 | Doctorate in same fields | 1+ year | Publications, experiments, or applied R+D |
OR Demonstrated equivalent experience through projects, patents, or contributions in AI/ML fields.
Essential Requirements for Security & Compliance
Selected candidates must:
- Pass Microsoft’s Cloud Background Check:
- Upfront at hiring/transfer
- Renewal every two years
- Comply with government security screenings, including Microsoft’s strict compliance policies
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with forward-looking insights akin to the missions below are a competitive fit:
Academic/Research Track
- Master’s degree in core disciplines + 6+ years experience in one or more:
- Quality academic publications (patents, research papers, libraries)
- Presentations at international conferences or invited keynote roles in a relevant field
- 3+ years leading or contributing to research programs (primarily via university, corporate R&D, or industry partnerships)
Development & Deployment
- 1+ years experience with:
- Deploying production-grade AI systems
- Full-stack delivery pipelines: from ideation and rapid prototyping through to self-service deployment to scale
- Hands-on experience demonstrating ethical AI principles in enterprise environments


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
**Who We Are Looking For”
- Blueprint thinkers with the ability to explore edge cases in model architectures
- An early adopter of emerging Can we do this with LLMs? and solutions for structure and inference based on data freedom
- A strong communicator, not just with charts and graphs, but with clear and persuasive demos in business terms
- Expertise in working directly with LLMs in Azure cloud environments
- Excursion-minded mindset: ready to rapidly pivot based on customer needs
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Microsoft
M365 Copilot aims to serve everyone. Your unique perspective is valuable to our deduction-solving community. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a positive work environment that values and leverages the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic (age, ancestry, citizenship, family care commitment, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical information, national origin, physical/mental disability, pregnancy, race, religion, sex/including pregnancy, sexual orientation, protected veteran/military status, or any other classification protected by applicable law).
Questions or requests for accommodations during the application process? Visit our help centre for accommodations and disabilities support.
Pierce the hallway with your 6 essential phrases—#M365Core—next-generation technologies—collaborative execution—agile transition—data security—ethics-first AI and prosper.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills