Research Scientist Intern in Foundation Models for Science (ByteDance Research) - 2025 Summer/Fall (PhD)

Responsibilities

Founded in 2012, ByteDance's mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. With a suite of more than a dozen products, including TikTok, Helo, and Resso, as well as platforms specific to the China market, including Toutiao, Douyin, and Xigua, ByteDance has made it easier and more fun for people to connect with, consume, and create content.

Why Join Us
Creation is the core of ByteDance's purpose. Our products are built to help imaginations thrive. This is doubly true of the teams that make our innovations possible.
Together, we inspire creativity and enrich life - a mission we aim towards achieving every day.
To us, every challenge, no matter how ambiguous, is an opportunity; to learn, to innovate, and to grow as one team. Status quo? Never. Courage? Always.
At ByteDance, we create together and grow together. That's how we drive impact - for ourselves, our company, and the users we serve.
Join us.

Our team at ByteDance Research has been focusing on building foundation models for science, including biology, physics, and chemistry. We are looking for outstanding researchers to join our team and conduct cutting-edge research in AI for Science.

We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in 2025. Internships at TikTok aim to offer students industry exposure and hands-on experience. Turn your ambitions into reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at ByteDance.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early. 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 ByteDance (select one) and its affiliates' jobs globally.
Internships at ByteDance aim to provide students with hands-on experience in developing fundamental skills and exploring potential career paths. A vibrant blend of social events and enriching development workshops will be available for you to explore. Here, you will utilize your knowledge in real-world scenarios while laying a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. It runs for 12-24 weeks and begins in May/June 2025 or August/September 2025. Successful candidates must be able to commit to one of the following start dates below:

(Select below options for Summer)
- Monday, May 12
- Monday, May 19
- Tuesday May 27 (Memorial Day May 27)
- Monday, June 9
- Monday, June 23

(Select below options for Fall)
- Monday, August 11
- Monday, August 25
- Monday, September 8
- Monday, September 22
Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early. 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 ByteDance and its affiliates' jobs globally.

Responsibilities:
- Develop foundation models for nature science, such as protein structure prediction, molecular conformation analysis, and computational protein design;
- Replicate and assess emerging AI/ML methods using public benchmarks and databases;
- Collaborate closely with the multidisciplinary drug discovery team, applying inventive algorithms to cutting-edge challenges;
- Stay updated with the latest scientific literature;
- Communicate and elucidate computational models and AI techniques to a diverse audience spanning multiple disciplines.

Qualifications

- Currently pursuing a PhD in fields like computer science, electrical computer engineering, or related areas;
- Strong research background in AI and machine learning with solid publications in leading conferences (e.g., ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR) and journals, encompassing areas like large language models, diffusion models, geometric deep learning, natural language processing, computational protein design, protein structure and conformation prediction, and related fields.
- Proficient in Python programming and deep learning platforms like PyTorch.

ByteDance is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At ByteDance, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.

ByteDance Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at https://shorturl.at/cdpT2

Job Information

【For Pay Transparency】Compensation Description Intern (hourly)

The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $75- $75. We cover 100% premium coverage for Full-Time intern medical insurance after 90 days from the date of hire. Medical coverage only, no dental or vision coverage.​

Our time off and leave plans are: Paid holidays and paid sick leave. The sick leave entitlement is based on the time you join.​

We also provide mental and emotional health benefits through our Employee Assistance Program and provide reimbursements for your mobile phone expense. 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:​

1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;​

2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and​

3. Exercising sound judgment.​