Senior Security Researcher

The Azure Networking Security Research (ANSR) team is part of the Network Security organization within Azure Networking. This organization is responsible for developing multiple security products and safeguarding the backend infrastructure of Microsoft Azure. The ANSR team plays a critical role in identifying and addressing security gaps across the entire Azure ecosystem—not limited to networking—and leads several cross-company network security initiatives. The team contributes to maintaining a secure, resilient, and reliable cloud environment by driving engineering excellence in security.

As part of this mission, the ANSR team focuses on uncovering vulnerabilities in Azure's core systems and infrastructure. Security researchers on the team have the opportunity to pioneer new bug classes, discover zero-day vulnerabilities, and protect millions of users and organizations. The role offers deep access to the inner workings of a hyper-scale cloud platform, enabling exploration of innovative attack vectors and emerging risks. Collaboration with experienced researchers ensures that findings translate into impactful security improvements across Azure and beyond.

This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment where technical depth and creative problem-solving are essential. The team is looking for a Senior Security Researcher who is passionate about cloud security and eager to contribute to Azure-wide initiatives. This role is ideal for individuals who thrive on tackling complex challenges and are committed to advancing the security posture of Microsoft Azure through research, innovation, and collaboration.

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

• Uncover vulnerabilities in critical Azure services, protocols, and architecture, including networking, storage, and compute.
• Provide expert security guidance to Azure teams managing high-value services with large customer bases, helping to safeguard against potential threats.
• Utilize artificial intelligence tools and techniques to enhance the speed and effectiveness of security research.
• Work closely with other security teams across Microsoft to maximize risk mitigation efforts throughout the technology stack.

Qualifications
Required Qualifcations:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, or related technical discipline with proven experience coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python

• OR equivlent experience.

• 6+ years hands-on security research experience.

• Offensive mindset and hands-on experience.

Other Requirements

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:

• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cloud computing, architecture and security.
• 8+ years hands-on security research experience.

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.