Are you captivated by the transformative potential of advanced optical networking technologies within the realm of Artificial Intelligence? Do you see yourself developing the high-speed optical pipelines that connect a global array of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Central Processing Units (CPUs)? Are you compelled by the opportunity to drive forward self-healing, adaptive networks that will bring AI systems to new heights of intelligent operation and efficiency? If these challenges strike a chord, then you might be the perfect fit for our team. The transmission of digital data through optical fibre underpins modern society, supporting the global communications network, cloud services, right through to the latest advances in AI. The current technology cannot scale to the requirements within the power envelop available and therefore future optical networks, data centres and high-performance computers of unprecedented performance and functionality will require new technology to help build the future digital world. As a Senior Researcher, you will be working to research and demonstrate new optical networking technologies. In Microsoft Research Cambridge we have built a highly interdisciplinary team working in conjunction with internal product and engineering teams and external technology suppliers to demonstrate the feasibility of novel optical networking. We have state-of-the-art facilities which enable individuals and their collaborators to demonstrate the viability of new ways of thinking about and technologies for optical networking. 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** + Develop new test beds and methodologies to increase fundamental understanding of the unique transmission technology and use them to investigate and validate their system performance. + Contribute to, and define, new technology research projects. + Investigate and quantify the performance of new generations of hardware designed and optimized for both inter and intra datacenter communications. + Contribute to field trials, pre-staging activities and support post installation debugging and link activation. Publish papers at top-tier conferences and in journals that describe and evaluate novel ideas. **Qualifications** Required Qualifications: + Technical experience in optical networking, DWDM optical system design, optical system measurements, or automation. + A Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field AND 2+ years technical experience in optical networking, DWDM optical system design, optical system measurements or automation. + Proven experience in telecoms systems research, ideally gained within a leading Networking Equipment Manufacturer, Cloud Service Provider, Telecoms Carrier or Test Equipment manufacturer. + A track record of publishing papers at top conferences. + Strong technical knowledge of fiber optic transmission systems, OTN, Coherent transmission, telecoms networks and network measurement. + Experience of characterizing and systems-testing cutting edge hardware e.g. new transponder technologies, new amplifiers etc. + Practical skills with a ‘hands-on approach’, to help define, develop, construct and trial systems in the lab and ideally in the field. + Ability to apply state-of-the-art methods to complex problems and to move the state-of-the-art forwards. Preferred Qualifications: The following skills and attributes would also be beneficial: + Ability to support a culture of open communications and demonstrate scientific/engineering leadership for innovation. + Ability to be results focused and structured in approach. + Self-motivated and service minded. + Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to operate across global time zones and cultures. + Demonstrate tactful, consultative approach when dealing with team members. + Ability to extend and develop existing designs with original thinking. + Be a natural team player, with the ability to engage and collaborate with highly talented technical staff within Microsoft, and from external partners. + Be able to operate with high integrity and professionalism. \#Research Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .