(General Hire) Research Scientist Intern (Monetization Technology) - 2026 Start (PhD)

San Jose · Posted Oct 03

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At a glance

Location: San Jose, CA
Work type: Onsite
Category: Research

TikTok is seeking PhD interns for 2026 in Monetization Technology (General Hire). The role involves developing large-scale ads systems, state-of-the-art applied ML projects, and owning targeting components within TikTok's ads monetization ecosystem. Located in San Jose, CA, the internship emphasizes hands-on learning, collaboration with industry experts, and potential team match based on background and interests.

What they are looking for

Machine learningFoundation modelsAdvertising technologyData analysisResearch

Location: San Jose, California, United States of America Department: R&D

Monetization Technology teams are building the next-generation monetization platforms to help millions of customers grow their businesses, utilizing our products like TikTok. Our team develops a wide variety of advertisements for numerous uses including feeds, live streaming, branding, measurement, targeting, search, vertical solutions, creative solutions, and business integrity.

We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in 2026. Internships at TikTok aim to offer students industry exposure and hands-on experience. Watch your ambitions become reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at TikTok.

PhD internships at TikTok provide students with the opportunity to actively contribute to our products and research, and to the organization's future plans and emerging technologies. Our dynamic internship experience blends hands-on learning, enriching community-building and development events, and collaboration with industry experts.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage you to apply early. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date).

Note: This is role is a part of the general hire process. Based on your background, experience, interests, and interview performance, we'll help identify one or more teams that are the best match for you.

Responsibilities

Participate in the development of a large-scale Ads system.
Responsible for the development of state-of-the-art applied machine learning projects.
Own key targeting components or strategies in the TikTok ads monetization ecosystem.
Work with product and business teams on product vision.

Minimum Qualifications

Currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science, engineering or quantitative field
Hands-on experience of developing multimodality foundation models and work or internship experience in an AI research organization is a plus
Strong publications record in top conferences or journals (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR, etc)

By submitting an application for this role, you accept and agree to our global applicant privacy policy, which may be accessed here: https://careers.tiktok.com/legal/privacy