[Remote] Machine Learning Scientist Intern (TikTok-Recommendation) - 2026 Start (PhD)

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video, and they are seeking a Machine Learning Scientist Intern to join their recommendation algorithm team. The role involves driving the development of recommendation systems, delivering machine learning solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and support platform growth.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development of industry-leading recommendation systems that elevate user experience, strengthen platform safety, and empower a vibrant content ecosystem
• Deliver impactful, end-to-end machine learning solutions that tackle high-priority product challenges related to content understanding, LLMs, robustness, and fairness
• Own and optimize the full-stack ML pipeline—from algorithm design to system infrastructure—to continuously push the boundaries of recommendation performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to craft innovative product strategies and develop intelligent solutions that fuel TikTok’s growth in key global markets

Skills

• Currently pursuing a PhD with a background in computer science, machine learning, or similar fields
• Good knowledge of theoretical and empirical research in addressing research problems
• Solid knowledge and experience with at least one popular deep learning framework (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and familiarity with deep neural network architectures
• Research experience in one or more of the following fields: applied machine learning, machine learning infrastructure, large-scale recommendation system, market-facing machine learning product
• Strong first-author publications record in top AI conferences or journals (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL, EMNLP, NAACL etc.)
• Proficient in C/C++, Python, and shell programming languages, and have a deep understanding of data structure and algorithm design
• Internship experience in an AI research organization

Benefits

• Day one access to health insurance
• Life insurance
• Wellbeing benefits
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 if hired in second half of year)
• Housing allowance

Company Overview

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