Research Scientist, Reinforcement Learning

This Research Scientist role at ByteDance's Doubao (Seed) Team focuses on pioneering advanced AI foundation models. The position involves conducting research and developing state-of-the-art algorithms in reinforcement learning applications, collaborating with software engineers to build enterprise-level platforms, and advancing AI development. Responsibilities include exploring large-scale language models, data construction, and implementing applications like content generation and reasoning. Candidates should be proficient in deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow, and programming languages like Python or Java, contributing to cutting-edge AI research and deployment.

Must Have

• Conduct research and develop state-of-the-art algorithms in reinforcement learning.
• Collaborate with software engineers and research scientists to build enterprise-level platforms.
• Proficient in deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python or Java.

Good to Have

• Experience in reinforcement learning or its applications to NLP, robotics, recommender systems.
• Top-tier conference papers, including ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, CVPR, ICRA, KDD.
• Relevant internship experience.
• Winners of ACM competitions.

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Wellbeing benefits
• 10 paid holidays per year
• 10 paid sick days per year
• 17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure)

Responsibilities

Leveraging substantial data and computing resources and through continued investment in these domains, our team has built a proprietary general-purpose model with multimodal capabilities. This model supports over 50 downstream business services including Doubao, Coze, and Dreamina, which are available to enterprise customers via the Volcano Engine. Currently, the Doubao App is the most used AIGC application in the China market. The main job directions include:

1. Exploring and developing large-scale language models and optimizing enterprise applications to the extreme;

2. Data construction, instruction tuning, preference alignment, and model optimization;

3. Implementation of relevant applications, including content generation, reasoning, code generation, etc.;

4. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to produce and apply new science to more responsibly develop and deploy large language models

5. In-depth research and exploration of more usage scenarios in future life.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and develop state-of-the-art algorithms in various applications of reinforcement learning;
• Collaborate with software engineers and research scientists to build enterprise-level platforms with cutting-edge RL models;
• Collaborate with open-source communities or academia to advance AI development.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates with experience in reinforcement learning or its applications to NLP, robotics, recommender systems, etc., are preferred;
• Candidates with top-tier conference papers, including ICML, NeurIPS, ICLR, CVPR, ICRA, KDD etc., relevant internship experience or winners of ACM competitions are preferred;
• Proficient in deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow, and programming languages such as python or java.

Job Information

【For Pay Transparency】Compensation Description (Annually)

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $177688 - $341734 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.​

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 ByteDance

Inspiring 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.​

Reasonable Accommodation

ByteDance 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://tinyurl.com/RA-request