Microsoft NYC research lab to be staffed by ex-Yahoo team
updated 10:00 am EDT, Thu May 3, 2012
Researchers helping design new research lab
Microsoft has reportedly hired more than a dozen former Yahoo employees to help establish a new research lab located in New York City. The team is said to include algorithmic economist David Pennock, along with machine-learning specialist John Langford, among others.
“I don’t feel like we hired a group; I feel like we hired 15 amazing individuals, some of which became available because there were some problems at Yahoo,” said Microsoft's New England research manager Jennifer Chayes, in comments to All Things D.
It is unclear if the 13 new hires were directly affected by Yahoo's ongoing reorganization, which will displace approximately 2,000 workers as the company attempts to remake itself and maintain profitability. CEO Scott Thompson plans to divest or consolidate approximately 50 Yahoo properties to focus on the company's core products and services.
Tasks for the new Microsoft researchers have yet to be fully disclosed, though another former Yahoo employee, social network researcher Duncan Watts, is said to be preparing to collaborate with the company's news and search units.
