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

TikTok; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 387,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

TikTok is seeking candidates for a position focused on developing kernel modules for cloud-native distributed analytical database systems. Ideal candidates will have recently completed a PhD in Software Development or related fields, and possess experience with system programming languages such as C++ or Rust. The role involves collaborative work for backend support and solving complex problems on large-scale infrastructures. A competitive salary is offered, along with comprehensive benefits from day one.

Qualifications

• Currently completing or have completed a PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience with at least one system programming language like C++ or Rust.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop kernel modules for cloud-native distributed databases.
• Conduct research on technology evolvement in database management.
• Solve problems on large-scale cloud infrastructure.
• Partner with teams for backend support of database services.

Skills

System programming languages

Research in OLAP databases

Problem-solving capabilities

Experience with open-source databases

Education

PhD in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering

Tools

C++

Rust

Velox

DataFusion

DuckDB

Polars

Clickhouse

Spark

Presto

Job description

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Team Introduction: The Data Platform team works on challenges in big data infrastructure and data products. Our team focuses on internal tools relating to OLAP DBMS, logging and data ingestion infrastructure, A/B testing for all product and feature launches, workflow management, distributed cache, data visualization tools, and big data engineering, which supports TikTok's business products. Data-Data Platform-Compute Platform - DB Boost team focuses on building the next generation DBMS kernel aiming for the best-in-class query latency and hardware utilization. The team operates the distributed OLAP infrastructure powering cloud native data warehouse, which is the foundation behind data-driven decision-making within TikTok. We are looking for talented individuals to join our team in 2026. As a graduate, you will get unparalleled opportunities for you to kickstart your career, pursue bold ideas and explore limitless growth opportunities. Co-create a future driven by your inspiration with TikTok. We will prioritize candidates who are able to commit to these start dates. Please state your availability and graduation date clearly in your resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early. Candidates can apply for a maximum of TWO positions and will be considered for jobs in the order you applied for. The application limit is applicable to TikTok and its affiliates' jobs globally. Successful candidates must be able to commit to an onboarding date by end of year 2026. Please state your availability and graduation date clearly in your resume. Candidates can apply to a maximum of two positions and will be considered for jobs in the order you apply. The application limit is applicable to TikTok and its affiliates' jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage you to apply early.

Online Assessment

Candidates who pass resume evaluation will be invited to participate in TikTok's technical online assessment in HackerRank.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop kernel modules or core features for cloud-native distributed analytical database systems
• Conduct research for cutting-edge technology evolvement in database and data management area and identify the 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 service

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Individuals who are completing or have recently completed a PhD degree in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with at least one system programming language: C++, Rust etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research or deep working experience in OLAP databases and data management systems is preferred, including but not limited to database kernel, query processing, query optimization, storage system, hardware acceleration, cloud native infrastructure, etc.
• Experience with open-source and industry databases and data management systems like Velox, DataFusion, DuckDB, Polars, Clickhouse, Spark, Presto etc is a plus
• Passionate & experienced for contributing to open source communities
• High levels of creativity and quick problem-solving capabilities

As a condition of employment, all successful candidates must be able to establish authorization to work in the United States. For this position, the Company does not provide sponsorship or any immigration-related benefits.

Job Information

Compensation

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $156000 - $387600 annually. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units.

Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Employees have day one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company match, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, among others. Employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year, 10 paid sick days per year and 17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure).

The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.

For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates: Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:

• Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
• Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
• Exercising sound judgment.