Senior Talent Sourcer, Microsoft AI

Microsoft AI (MAI) is hiring a Senior Talent Sourcer to identify and engage the rare, high-impact talent shaping the future of artificial intelligence. From research scientists to applied ML engineers, this role partners directly with technical leaders to source individuals capable of driving breakthroughs in foundation models, advanced reasoning systems, and core AI infrastructure. 

This is not traditional sourcing. We operate with urgency and autonomy - balancing startup energy with Microsoft-scale resources. Our sourcing team executes in focused missions to solve hard hiring problems, unlock high-bar pipelines, and proactively identify talent beyond inbound channels or referrals. This is precision sourcing: research-led, multi-channel, and built for complexity. 

If you thrive in technical ambiguity, enjoy deep collaboration with AI researchers and engineers, and bring energy to every search—this role offers the opportunity to work at the leading edge of talent strategy in artificial intelligence. 

This is a hybrid role based in Mountain View, CA, with an expectation of being in-office at least 3 days per week. 

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

Stakeholder Collaboration 

• Act as a consultative partner to technical and research leaders across MAI, influencing profile definition, funnel design, and prioritization. 

• Present market insights, search progress, and candidate recommendations with clarity and confidence, particularly in ambiguous or evolving searches. 

• Drive rigor in calibration: challenge assumptions, align early, and advocate for sourcing approaches that optimize for long-term outcomes. 

• Guide hiring teams toward inclusive and differentiated sourcing strategies. 

Market Intelligence & Strategic Planning 

• Conduct deep landscape analysis across global AI talent markets—mapping top labs, research groups, startups, and open-source contributors. 

• Build long-range pipelines around critical profiles using technical taxonomies, publication review, and trend-based forecasting. 

• Collaborate cross-functionally on campaigns and outreach tied to MAI’s highest-priority initiatives. 

• Identify gaps, opportunities, and competitive dynamics to continuously inform hiring strategy. 

Outreach and Engagement 

• Craft high-context, personalized messaging that resonates with deeply technical audiences—anchored in the work, not generic EVP. 

• Engage talent through diverse channels: AMiner, GitHub, Arxiv, academic networks, niche communities, and technical events. 

• Represent Microsoft AI at key industry forums and conferences, where applicable. 

• Own early-funnel candidate experience—establishing trust, managing expectations, and minimizing friction.