Research Scientist Intern (Compute Platform - Database Acceleration) - 2026 Start (PhD)

TikTok
San Jose
Workplace: OnsiteInternshipFunction: Data Science & Machine LearningEducation: phdSkills: ["Creativity","Problem-solving","Research"]

Work on TikTok’s Data Platform team to build the next generation of cloud-native distributed analytical database capabilities focused on database acceleration and OLAP query performance. You’ll design and develop kernel modules/core features, conduct research to advance database and data management technologies, and tackle large-scale high-performance infrastructure problems. You’ll also collaborate across teams to deliver backend support for cloud-native database services.

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FursaFursa
TikTok
TikTok
1 month ago

Research Scientist Intern (Compute Platform - Database Acceleration) - 2026 Start (PhD)

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Last checked: 20 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Work on TikTok’s Data Platform team to build the next generation of cloud-native distributed analytical database capabilities focused on database acceleration and OLAP query performance. You’ll design and develop kernel modules/core features, conduct research to advance database and data management technologies, and tackle large-scale high-performance infrastructure problems. You’ll also collaborate across teams to deliver backend support for cloud-native database services.
Location: San Jose
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Internship
Job Function: Data Science & Machine Learning
Seniority: Intern level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Design and develop kernel modules or core features for cloud-native distributed analytical database systems.
  • •Conduct research on database and data management technologies and identify potential future directions.
  • •Solve unique and complex problems on large-scale, high-performance cloud infrastructure.
  • •Partner with different teams on building backend support for cloud-native database services.

Key Requirements

  • •Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a PhD in Computer Science or a related STEM/quantitative field.
  • •Experience with at least one system programming language such as C++ or Rust.
  • •Research or deep working experience in OLAP databases and data management systems, including database kernel, query processing, query optimization, or storage systems.
  • •Experience with open-source and industry databases/data management systems such as Velox, DataFusion, DuckDB, Polars, ClickHouse, Spark, or Presto is a plus.
  • •Passion and experience contributing to open source communities, with strong creativity and quick problem-solving skills.
Experience:Open sourceOLAPDatabases
Education:PhD / Doctorate in Computer Science
Skills:CreativityProblem-solvingResearch
Tech Stack:C++RustOLAPDBMSQuery processingQuery optimizationStorage systemHardware accelerationCloud native infrastructureVeloxDataFusionDuckDBPolarsClickHouseSparkPrestoHackerRank

Company Brief

TikTok
Short-form video platform that lets users create, share, and discover entertainment content through algorithmic recommendations. It also offers advertising and creator tools for brands, influencers, and businesses.
Industry: Digital Media
Company Size: Enterprise (1,001+ employees)
Growth: Scaleup
Headquarters: Singapore, Singapore
Founded: 2016
WebsiteLinkedIn