Student Researcher Intern (Edge Research Project for General Intelligence — Doubao Foundation Model Team (Seed)) - 2026 Start (PhD)
ByteDanceAbout the role
Responsibilities
To further support long-horizon and high-impact AI research, we are launching the Seed Edge Research Initiative. This initiative focuses on developing general intelligence models — models that possess human-like learning abilities, interaction capabilities, and tool-use proficiency. We encourage bold, long-term research with inherent uncertainty and cross-modal, interdisciplinary collaboration. Seed Edge provides a highly flexible research environment and long-cycle evaluation, enabling researchers to pursue transformative AI challenges.
What You Will Work On
By joining the Seed Edge initiative, you will collaborate with us to explore:
1. Explore novel intrinsic reward mechanisms to enable models to engage in autonomous learning and continual self-improvement;
2. Explore the development of long-term memory mechanisms to support the next generation of efficient reasoning models and long-sequence reasoning and modeling.;
3. Advance the boundaries of multimodal perception by developing scalable methods to extract knowledge from massive multimodal data with ultra-low signal-to-noise ratios, while building a solid foundation for multimodal fusion and unified modeling;
4. Study how models can use tools and develop visually grounded action capabilities, including new approaches to foundation modeling for full-modality agents and interactive learning in complex environments.
We also welcome self-initiated research ideas — bring your vision and curiosity to help shape the future of general intelligence.
As part of the application process, we encourage you to prepare a research presentation. We're looking forward to deep technical conversations with you.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
1. Currently pursuing a PhD degree, graduating in 2027 or later, in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Mathematics, Physics, or related fields;
2. Solid research experience in one or more of the following areas: LLMs, computer vision, multimodal learning, AIGC (AI-Generated Content), or machine learning;
3. Strong curiosity and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently explore solutions;
4. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a deep passion for advancing fundamental technologies. Self-driven and open-minded in exploring unconventional ideas through iterative experimentation, aiming to push forward the boundaries of AI research.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Solid understanding of core machine learning principles and algorithmic thinking; prior publications at top-tier conferences/journals (e.g., CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, NeurIPS, ICLR, ICML, SIGGRAPH, SIGGRAPH Asia, etc.);
2. Proficient in C/C++ or Python, with strong programming skills. Recognition in competitions such as ACM/ICPC, NOI/IOI, TopCoder, or Kaggle is highly valued.
3. Experience leading impactful projects in any of the following domains: multimodal learning, LLMs, foundation models, world models, reinforcement learning, or rendering & generative models.
Job Information
About Doubao (Seed)
Founded in 2023, the ByteDance Doubao (Seed) Team, is dedicated to pioneering advanced AI foundation models. Our goal is to lead in cutting-edge research and drive technological and societal advancements.
With a strong commitment to AI, our research areas span deep learning, reinforcement learning, Language, Vision, Audio, AI Infra and AI Safety. Our team has labs and research positions across China, Singapore, and the US.
Why Join ByteDanceInspiring creativity is at the core of ByteDance's mission. Our innovative products are built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and enrich life - a mission we work towards every day.
As ByteDancers, we strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our Company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.
Diversity & Inclusion
ByteDance 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 ByteDance, our mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. 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.
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