Senior Neural Graphics & World Models Scientist

TikTok; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 218,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok in San Jose is seeking a Senior Research Scientist/Engineer to advance AI models for neural graphics and world models. You will lead research directions across 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering, and translate findings into real-time engine capabilities.

Ideal candidates have a PhD/MS in a relevant field and at least 5 years of research or industry experience in neural graphics or generative AI, with strong ML framework fluency and a track record of rigorous experiments.

Qualifications

• PhD/MS or equivalent research experience in ML, graphics, robotics, or related field.
• 5 years of research or industry experience in neural graphics, generative AI, or related domains.
• Strong knowledge of modern ML and hands-on experience with model development and training.
• Deep expertise in at least one AI-for-graphics area and ability to translate research into engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead research directions in neural graphics, world models, 3D modeling, animation, simulation, or rendering.
• Develop, train, adapt, and evaluate AI models for interactive graphics and world generation.
• Define data and evaluation strategies linking model behavior to quality and performance.
• Build research prototypes and collaborate with engineering teams for real-time engine workflows.
• Analyze results, identify risks, and translate findings into next steps for model, data, and system development.
• Produce reproducible research artifacts and mentor team members.

Skills

ML expertise

3D graphics

Research experience

Collaboration

Experiment design

Education

PhD or MS in ML/graphics

Tools

PyTorch

JAX

Job description

TikTok in San Jose is seeking a Senior Research Scientist/Engineer to advance AI models for neural graphics and world models. You will lead research directions across 3D modeling, animation, simulation, and rendering, and translate findings into real-time engine capabilities.

Ideal candidates have a PhD/MS in a relevant field and at least 5 years of research or industry experience in neural graphics or generative AI, with strong ML framework fluency and a track record of rigorous experiments.