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TikTok · 4 weeks ago

Lead Researcher, Large Language Models/LLM, TikTok

San Jose, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff

$257K/yr - $616K/yr

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video, and they are seeking a Lead Researcher in Large Language Models. The role involves leading the development of high-capacity LLM solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences through advanced AI technologies.

Content CreatorsContent DiscoveryMedia and EntertainmentSocial MediaVideo

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Lead the incubation of next-generation, high-capacity LLM solutions for TikTok business, identify and define both short and medium term objectives

Design methods, tools, data recipes and experiments to push forward state-of-art in large language models

Explore new model architecture and inference-efficient model design for LLM applications to scale impact on business

Work closely with cross-functional teams to plan and implement projects harnessing LLMs for diverse purposes and vertical domains

Extend the insights and impact from industry to academia

Qualification

LLM researchPythonDeep learning frameworksDistributed computingInference tuningResearch publicationAI system evaluationProblem-solving skillsCreative mindset

Required

Ph.D in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field

Strong understanding of cutting-edge LLM research (e.g., long context, multi modality, alignment research, agent ecosystem, etc.) and possess practical expertise in effectively implementing these advanced systems as a plus

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Rust, or C++ and a track record of working with deep learning frameworks (e.g., pytorch, deepspeed, megatron, vllm, etc.)

Strong understanding of distributed computing framework & performance tuning and verification for training/finetuning/inference; Being familiar with PEFT, RL, MoE, CoT or Langchain is a plus

Preferred

Excellent problem-solving skills and a creative mindset to address complex AI challenges. Demonstrated ability to drive research projects from idea to implementation, producing tangible outcomes

Published research papers or contributions to the LLM community would be a significant plus

Experience with inference tuning and Inference acceleration. Have a deep understanding of GPU and/or other AI accelerators, experience with large scale AI networks, pytorch 2.0 and similar technologies

Experience with evaluation of AI systems, LLM application & agent development is desirable

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) savings plan with company match

Paid parental leave

Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Life insurance

Wellbeing benefits

10 paid holidays per year

10 paid sick days per year

17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure)

Company

TikTok

Glassdoor3.4

TikTok is a short-form video entertainment app and social network platform. It is a sub-organization of ByteDance.

Founded in 2003

Los Angeles, California, USA

10001+ employees

https://www.tiktok.com

H1B Sponsorship

TikTok has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

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Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (979)

2024 (601)

2023 (387)

2022 (322)

2021 (133)

2020 (72)