Research Scientist Graduate (Compute Platform - Database Acceleration)- 2026 Start (PhD)
Apr 23, 2026 San Jose
About us
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video and our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.
- Size: 10,000+ employees
- Industry: Technology: Consumer Internet
Why you should apply for a job to TikTok:
4.5/5 in overall job satisfaction
4.5/5 in supportive management
100% say women are treated fairly and equally to men
100% would recommend this company to other women
100% say the CEO supports gender diversity
Ratings are based on anonymous reviews by Fairygodboss members. See all reviews ›
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
[For Pay Transparency] Compensation Description (annually)
The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $162000 - $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:
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.
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
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.
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
[For Pay Transparency] Compensation Description (annually)
The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $162000 - $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:
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.
Responsibilities
ResponsibilitiesTeam 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
QualificationsMinimum 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.
Additional Information
- Salary: $162,000 – $387,600
- Posted: Apr 23, 2026