Data Scientist Intern (AI/LLM Data Application) - 2026 Start (BS/MS)

About the Team

The AI/LLM Data Application group at TikTok works on large-scale distributed platforms that help deliver fast, high-quality experiences for live streaming, video on demand, and hyper-edge CDN services across a global footprint.

Role Overview

This internship is intended for students joining in 2026 and is designed to provide practical industry exposure along with hands-on learning in a fast-moving technology environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and break down performance indicators for special initiatives tied to billing, cost control, and quality governance, and use data to support decisions around architecture, strategy, and capacity planning.
• Carry out research and application work for AI-powered big data use cases, including applying LLMs to knowledge-based Q&A and data analysis workflows, then refining the results for better outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or postgraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Working knowledge of large language model technologies.
• Willingness and ability to work from the Sydney office on-site for at least three days each week during the internship period.
• The internship lasts a minimum of 3 months and may be extended depending on performance and mutual agreement.
• Solid understanding of statistics, linear algebra, probability theory, and common data structures.
• Foundational knowledge of data science principles, including statistics and causal inference, plus awareness of where they are applied.
• Comfort using SQL and working with both relational and analytical databases.

Preferred Qualifications

• Practical experience using AI to support data analytics and data mining.
• Exposure to network protocols such as IPv4/v6, TCP/IP, DHCP, BGP, and OSPF/IS-IS.
• Experience with public cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, Azure, Ali Cloud, OCI, and similar services.
• Hands-on familiarity with network equipment from vendors such as Cisco, Arista, Juniper, H3C, and Huawei.
• Ability to script or program in Bash, Python, or comparable languages.

Application Notes

Applicants may submit up to two applications across the company and its affiliates worldwide, with roles considered in the order they are applied for. Applications are reviewed continuously, so early submission is recommended.

By applying, candidates agree to the global applicant privacy policy. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

About the Company

TikTok is a global short-form video platform with headquarters in Los Angeles and Singapore, and offices across major cities including New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. The company’s mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

Why Join TikTok

The company emphasizes curiosity, humility, innovation, resilience, and continuous learning. Teams work in an environment built around collaboration, iteration, and an “Always Day 1” mindset to create meaningful impact for users and communities.

Diversity and Inclusion

TikTok says it is committed to an inclusive workplace where people are valued for their skills, experiences, and perspectives, and where global communities are reflected in the team culture.

Acknowledgment of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation, TikTok acknowledges the Traditional Custodians across Australia and their links to land, sea, and community, and pays respect to Elders past and present as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.