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Research Scientist Graduate (TikTok Recommendation-Large Recommender Models) - 2026 Start (PhD)

TikTok

Skills

Required

  • Machine Learning
  • recommender systems / computer vision / natural language processing
  • algorithms
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • programming
  • data structures
  • architectures
  • transformers
  • CNNs
  • RNNs
  • LSTMs

Preferred

  • recommender models
  • RecSys
  • SIGGRAPH
  • CVPR
  • ICML
  • NeurIPS

About TikTok

We are looking for talented individuals to join our team in 2026. As a graduate, you will get unparalleled opportunities for you to kickstart your career, pursue bold ideas and explore limitless growth opportunities. Co-create a future driven by your inspiration with TikTok.

Responsibilities

  • Research and develop large-scale recommender systems for personalized, engaging user experiences, focusing on scalability, accuracy, and performance.
  • Apply advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques to optimize recommendation algorithms for TikTok’s diverse user base.
  • Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of recommender models, from training and fine-tuning to deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
  • Analyze complex data to uncover user preferences, behaviors, and trends, driving personalization and enhancing TikTok’s recommendation capabilities.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (infrastructure, product, research, etc.) to design and implement innovative solutions that improve the relevance and diversity of TikTok recommendations.

Requirements

  • Successful candidates must be able to commit to an onboarding date by end of year 2026.
  • We will prioritize candidates who are able to commit to these start dates.
  • Please state your availability and graduation date clearly in your resume.
  • Individuals who are completing or have recently completed a PhD degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, or a related field.
  • Experience in one or more areas of recommender systems, machine learning, computer vision, or natural language processing.
  • Proficiency in programming skills, solid foundation in data structures and algorithms.
  • Strong familiarity with deep learning architectures such as transformers, CNNs, RNNs, LSTMs, etc.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams.

Preferred

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
  • Experience in building large-scale recommender systems that handle vast, diverse datasets and complex user interactions.
  • Publications in major AI venues such as RecSys, SIGGRAPH, CVPR, ICCV, ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, or similar conferences/journals.

Hiring process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early.