Research Scientist Intern (TikTok-Data-Content Intelligence) - 2027 Start (PhD)

About the role

The Recommendation Algorithm team plays a central role in the company, driving critical product decisions and platform growth. The team consists of machine learning researchers and engineers who support and innovate on production recommendation models, delivering significant product impact. This fast-paced, collaborative, and impact-driven team is seeking talented PhD interns to contribute actively to our products, research, and future technologies.

Our dynamic internship experience blends hands-on learning, community-building, professional development events, and collaboration with industry experts.

Responsibilities

• Build industry-leading recommendation systems to improve user experience, content ecosystem, and platform security.
• Deliver end-to-end machine learning solutions to address critical product challenges.
• Own the full-stack machine learning system and optimize algorithms and infrastructure to enhance recommendation performance.
• Work with cross-functional teams to design product strategies and build solutions to grow TikTok in key markets.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a PhD degree in computer science or a related technical discipline.
• Proficient coding skills and strong knowledge of algorithms and data structures using C++, Python, or other programming languages.
• Experience in Machine Learning and familiarity with at least one Deep Learning framework (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: NLP, CV, Recommender Systems, or Machine Learning.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Authors of published papers in top academic conferences.
• Winners of algorithm and machine learning competitions such as ACM and Kaggle.

Benefits

• Day-one access to health insurance, life insurance, and wellbeing benefits.
• 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in the first half of the year, 40 if hired in the second half).
• Eligibility for housing allowance if not working 100% remotely.

Pay

The hourly rate range for this position is $60–$60.