Research Scientist Graduate; Distributed NoSQL Database Systems PhD

Overview

Research Scientist Graduate, (Distributed No

SQL Database Systems) - 2026 Start (PhD) s role targets graduates pursuing PhD studies with emphasis on distributed database systems.

• Design and develop distributed No
  
  SQL databases, with a focus on one of the following: distributed caches, key-value stores, document databases, graph databases, wide-column stores, search engines, or multi-model databases.
• Build high-performance, low-latency, and highly available distributed systems to support mission-critical business operations with scalability and cost efficiency.
• Optimize compute and storage engines for cloud-native global deployments, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
• Provide technical guidance to internal business teams, identifying opportunities for system optimization to improve stability, functionality, and performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop robust database products and solutions.
• Address technical challenges in cloud service architectures, ensuring scalable solutions for large-scale, high-traffic systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science or related fields with strong database systems or AI research experience.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (C, C++, Java, Go, Python, Rust) with strong coding skills in a Linux environment.
• Deep understanding of database principles, distributed system design, and multi-threaded programming, with hands-on experience in distributed storage and computing technologies.
• Strong knowledge of distributed consensus algorithms, with experience in database kernel development.
• Practical experience with large-scale cloud-native architectures and distributed system control platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Publications at top-tier conferences (e.g., SIGMOD, VLDB, NeurIPS, MLSys, ICDE).
• Familiarity with popular database systems and source code such as Rocks
  
  DB, Redis, Mongo
  
  DB, HBase, TiDB, Neo4j, Elasticsearch, Janus Graph, Yugabyte
  
  DB, or Cockroach
  
  DB.

Pay Transparency: The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $136,800 - $259,200 annually. Compensation may vary outside this range depending on qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. Base pay is part of the Total Package and this role may be eligible for bonuses/incentives and restricted stock units. Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid parental leave, disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, and paid time off.

Some benefits are prorated upon hire and subject to change.

For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) candidates:
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered pursuant to applicable laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. Specific job duties may be affected by criminal history as described in the posting.

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