Student Researcher; Multimedia Streaming PhD

Student Researcher (Multimedia Streaming) – 2026 Start (PhD)

Byte Dance is seeking a student researcher in multimedia streaming for a 12‑week PhD internship beginning in 2026. Applicants should be final‑year or terminal PhD candidates with strong research credentials.

• Analyze and optimize performance and efficiency of large‑scale commercial streaming systems (on‑demand, live, real‑time communication).
• Design novel algorithms, frameworks, and streaming solutions for emerging media (360° video, multi‑view, interactive video with ultra‑low latency).
• Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy prototypes into commercial systems.
• Explore new research directions that could revolutionize future multimedia systems.

• Currently pursuing a PhD in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong publication record in top‑tier academic conferences or journals in the field.
• Project experience building real multimedia systems (required) and solving large‑scale system problems (preferred).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (start date, end date).

Hourly rate: $57 per hour.

Interns receive day‑one access to health insurance, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, 10 paid holidays per year, and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 hours if hired in second half). Non‑remote interns may also be eligible for housing allowance.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws.

• Interactions and unsupervised contact with internal/external clients or colleagues.
• Handling confidential information and access to IT systems.
• Exercising sound judgment.

Founded in 2012, Byte Dance’s mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. Its portfolio includes Tik Tok, Lemon8, Cap Cut, Pico and China‑specific platforms such as Toutiao, Douyin, and Xigua.

Byte Dance is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of its global community.

Byte Dance provides reasonable accommodations in recruitment for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs, or other protected reasons. Contact us at