Research Scientist Graduate (Security for AI) -2025 Start (PhD)

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About the Team
Nestled Flow AI Organization, the Security AI team stands as a beacon of innovation, exploring cutting-edge technology to enhance the security of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their applications serving the company's global products. Tasked with constructing, implementing, and sustaining secure frameworks, the team pioneers a new frontier in AI Security Research, inviting talented individuals with a background in AI to join through the student researcher program. Through collaboration and unwavering commitment, this team ensures a safe and secure digital experience for users worldwide while offering a stimulating environment for LLM enthusiasts to thrive and shape the future of AI security.

We are looking for talented individuals to join our team in 2025. 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.

Job Responsibilities

1. Explore, design, and develop security solutions for Large Language Models (LLMs), such as techniques to enhance LLM robustness against potential threats like prompt injections and private information disclosure.
2. Conduct comprehensive security risk assessments and provide actionable recommendations for mitigating potential vulnerabilities in LLMs.
3. Stay well-informed about existing AI risks to ensure the highest level of security across all AI projects.
4. Keep abreast of the latest AI technologies and trends, proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen the security of AI products.
5. Foster strategic collaborations with external organizations and experts to remain at the forefront of best practices and advancements in AI security.
6. Continuously evaluate and optimize internal processes and procedures related to AI security to maintain a robust and resilient framework.
7. Provide leadership and guidance to clients, empowering them to understand and adopt secure AI practices seamlessly.
8. Develop and deliver comprehensive training and educational programs on secure AI principles and best practices to team members, promoting a culture of AI security awareness and excellence.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Currently enrolled in a PhD degree in Computer Science with the specific focus on machine learning, statistics, security or related technical fields.
2. Excellent knowledge of theory and practice of LLM and foundation model.
3. Strong publication record at leading conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL, EMNLP, etc.).
4. Excellent coding ability, familiar with data structures, and fundamental algorithm skills, proficient in Python or Go or Java, winners of competitions such as ACM/ICPC, USACO/NOI/IOI, Top Coder, Kaggle, etc. are preferred;

Preferred Qualifications

1. Good communication and collaboration skills, able to explore new technologies with the team and promote technological progress.
2. Demonstrated software engineering or natural language processing, or deep learning experience from previous internships, work experience, coding competitions, or publications.
3. High levels of creativity and quick problem-solving capabilities.

TikTok 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 TikTok, 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.

TikTok 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 (annually)

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $145000 - $355000 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.