University of Pennsylvania & Microsoft Research India
Opportunity Category
Fellowship
Location
Bengaluru, India (with field travel)
Application Mode
Online
Official Language
English
About the Research Programme
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and Microsoft Research India (MSR) are recruiting two India-based Pre-Doctoral Research Fellows to contribute to interdisciplinary research exploring how artificial intelligence can improve health and education outcomes in India.
The two-year research positions are appointed through the University of Pennsylvania Institute for the Advanced Study of India (UPIASI) and hosted at Microsoft Research in Bengaluru, with regular travel to field sites in Rajasthan, Delhi, and other locations across India.
The opportunities are aimed at recent graduates who intend to pursue a Ph.D. and are interested in conducting field-based, applied research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, public health, education, development, and social science.
Why You Should Apply
Benefit
Description
Prestigious Institutions
UPenn + Microsoft Research India
Real-World Impact
AI for health and education in India
Mentorship
Expert guidance from leading researchers
Field Experience
Travel to field sites across India
PhD Pathway
Ideal for recent graduates pursuing doctoral study
Competitive Compensation
Benchmark against MSR standards
Publication Opportunities
Contribute to academic publications
Mentorship Team
Mentor
Institution
Mohit Jain
Microsoft Research India
Gareth Nellis
UPenn Center for Advanced Study of India
Sharath Guntuku
UPenn Computer and Information Science
Research Projects
1. Samvaad
Detail
Description
Focus
Voice-based AI role-play tools for ASHAs
Application
Support communication about contraception, vaccination, antenatal care
Beneficiaries
India's Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs)
2. Clinical Communication Training
Detail
Description
Focus
AI-based communication training for clinicians
Partner
AIIMS New Delhi
Application
Helping doctors communicate difficult information and counsel caregivers
3. Bolo
Detail
Description
Focus
AI-powered speaking partners for students
Application
Improving spoken English fluency, confidence, willingness to communicate
Setting
Low-income classrooms
4. Kahani
Detail
Description
Focus
Gender norms and prosocial themes in Indian media
Application
Tools for researchers, policymakers, and creative industries
Media
Film, television, digital media
Research Fellow 1: Field Research and Evaluation
Responsibilities
Responsibility
Description
Study Design
Design research studies
Research Approvals
Obtain necessary approvals
Field Coordination
Coordinate field activities
Data Collection
Lead data collection efforts
Quality Assurance
Ensure data quality
Statistical Analysis
Conduct statistical analysis
Ideal Candidate Profile
Criteria
Requirements
Education
Bachelor's or Master's in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Statistics, or related field
Experience
Hands-on experience managing RCTs or comparable field research in India
Preferred Experience
J-PAL, IPA, or equivalent research-management environments
Field Skills
Coordinating field teams, survey firms, partner organisations
Technical Skills
Strong applied statistical skills, proficiency in Stata or R
Research Tools
Familiarity with SurveyCTO, ODK, IRB procedures, research ethics
Interest
Understanding how AI tools perform in real-world settings
Language
Fluency in Hindi or other Indian language (advantage, not mandatory)
Research Fellow 2: Tool Development and Deployment
Responsibilities
Responsibility
Description
Tool Development
Build and test AI tools
Deployment
Deploy AI tools in field settings
Collaboration
Work with researchers and field partners
Fieldwork
Participate in fieldwork and travel to research locations
Ideal Candidate Profile
Criteria
Requirements
Education
Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field
Skills
Strong programming and data-handling skills
Interest
Applying technology to public health, education, and media
Curiosity
How technological systems perform outside laboratories
Fieldwork
Willingness to participate in fieldwork and travel
Advantage
ML, NLP, HCI, or applied statistics coursework/project experience
Appointment, Location and Benefits
Detail
Information
Duration
2 Years
Location
Microsoft Research Bengaluru
Resources
Desk space, MSR account, access to Microsoft Research resources
Travel
Opportunities to travel to field sites
Compensation
Competitive, benchmarked against MSR Research Fellow standards
Start Date
As soon as possible
Who Should Apply?
Criteria
Description
Recent Graduates
Seeking substantial research experience before doctoral study
Team Members
Treated as full members of the research team
Contributions
Building AI systems, conducting field studies, analysing data, contributing to publications
Application Process
Step
Action
1
Complete the online application form
2
Indicate position(s): Field Research & Evaluation, Tool Development & Deployment, or both
The UPenn-Microsoft Research India Pre-Doctoral Research Fellowships offer an exceptional opportunity for recent graduates to gain meaningful research experience at the intersection of AI, public health, education, and development. With mentorship from leading experts, fieldwork across India, and collaboration with premier institutions including AIIMS New Delhi, fellows will contribute to impactful, culturally grounded AI research.
The two-year fellowship is designed as a pathway to PhD studies, providing hands-on experience in building AI systems, conducting rigorous evaluations, and contributing to academic publications.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
Recent Graduates
Yes
Bachelor's/Master's Holders
Yes
PhD Aspirants
Yes
AI/ML Enthusiasts
Yes
Public Health Researchers
Yes
Education Researchers
Yes
Social Science Researchers
Yes
Field Researchers
Yes
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
High
Selection Difficulty
Competitive
Application Complexity
Medium
CareerFlora Recommendation
Area
Details
Fellowship Value
Excellent
Career Growth
Very High
Application Difficulty
Medium
Apply Early
Strongly Recommended (Rolling Basis)
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for UPenn & Microsoft Research India Research Fellows Programme 2026.
Career Expert & Researcher. Dedicated to bringing you the most authentic and verified updates on global scholarships, internships, and career opportunities to help you stay ahead.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies.
Read More.
