TikTok · 3 hours ago
Research Scientist Intern (TikTok-Privacy Innovation Lab-GPU Systems & Model Optimization) - 2026 Start (PhD)
San Jose, CA
Internship
Onsite
Intern
Start in 2026TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video, and they are seeking a Research Scientist Intern for their Privacy Innovation Lab. This role involves working on core operators and system-level performance optimization for large-scale models, focusing on GPU systems and model optimization.
Content CreatorsContent DiscoveryMedia and EntertainmentSocial MediaVideo
Responsibilities
Design and implement high-performance GPU kernels for core components such as: Transformer / Attention / MoE / Diffusion
Perform end-to-end optimization for large model training workloads
Conduct in-depth analysis of GPU execution bottlenecks, including compute, memory, and scheduling
Use and extend Triton / CUDA / CUTLASS, and integrate optimized kernels with PyTorch / XLA / custom runtimes
Collaborate closely with model research teams to: Translate new model architectures into efficient, production-ready implementations
Reproduce, benchmark, and improve state-of-the-art system optimization techniques, validating gains in real training and inference settings
Qualification
Required
Currently pursuing PhD in Computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline
Solid understanding of GPU architecture and execution models
Proficiency in CUDA C++ or Triton, with the ability to independently write and optimize kernels
Strong familiarity with Transformer / Attention computation patterns and performance bottlenecks
Ability to read, reproduce, and reason about systems papers or open-source implementations
Preferred
Hands-on experience with large-scale model training
Familiarity with PyTorch internals (e.g., Autograd, dispatcher, ATen)
Experience with kernel profiling and performance tuning (e.g., Nsight, nvprof, nsys)
Publications, open-source contributions, or performance benchmark results
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
TikTok
TikTok is a short-form video entertainment app and social network platform. It is a sub-organization of ByteDance.
Founded in 2003
10001+ employees
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
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (979)
2024 (601)
2023 (387)
2022 (322)
2021 (133)
2020 (72)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
N Ali Mohamed
CEO
Blake Chandlee
VP Global Business Solutions
Recent News
2026-02-05
Business Standard India
2026-02-05
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