Principal Scientist Robot Learning – Spatial AI Lab Full-time

The Microsoft Spatial AI Lab in Zurich, Switzerland, is a research and development team building the future of spatial computing. We are looking for a Principal Research Scientist with a strong background in machine learning for robotics. We are based near ETH Zurich, the top technical school in continental Europe, enabling close collaboration in multiple areas.

You will lead the robot learning initiatives within Spatial AI Lab. Additionally, you will contribute to the broader strategy for embodied AI and automated decision making across Microsoft products that can perform tasks on the user’s behalf. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate and experienced researcher to shape a new strategic initiative.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate cross-functionally to shape the broader Microsoft robotics and virtual agents’ strategy and Spatial AI Lab role in realizing it.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in the industry and the latest research in deep learning, robotics, and embodied AI.
• Lead the research and development of learning algorithms for robotics agents.
• Develop and maintain software for robotic applications.
• Define and execute the strategy for training and evaluating robotics agents.
• Mentor and guide team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Qualifications:

Required Qualification(s):

• Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership in defining, shaping and executing technical strategy in cross-functional environments.
• Extensive professional experience in robotic learning.
• Proven track record of developing and deploying robotic systems in real-world environments, including programming skills in Python, C++, and experience with frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch and ROS.
• Experience with simulation tools and environments for robotics.
• Natural problem-solver, team player and good communicator.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in deep learning for robotics, such as in imitation or reinforcement learning and their applications to robotics.
• Familiarity with vision-language models and foundation models for robotics.
• Knowledge of computer vision and sensor fusion techniques.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and services.
• Previous experience in developing intelligent agents or virtual assistants.
• Publication record at top-tier conferences and journals (e.g., CoRL , NeurIPS , ICLR, RSS, ICRA/IROS)

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 histories, consistent with legal requirements. 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 .

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