LLM & Agent Algorithm Project Intern (Search) - 2026 Start (PhD)

About the job

TT-Search Algorithm & Applied AI is the algorithm team behind the search business built on TikTok (TikTok Search), with the goal of becoming the search engine of choice for users worldwide. Compared with recommendation systems, which passively infer user intent, search delivers content based on users' discovery motivation — making intent expression far more precise. This search data can also feed back into the recommendation engine, helping users obtain more relevant content.

We are at an inflection point where the search paradigm is shifting from "retrieval-and-ranking" toward "Agents proactively completing tasks." With large language models and Agents as our two driving wheels, the team builds the search-domain LLM foundation, the Agent execution framework (Harness), multi-agent collaboration, and self-improvement closed loops. We support the implementation of business scenarios such as multimodal AIGC creation, visual search, on-device intelligence, and long-horizon task Agents — spanning POI search, Wish search, automated evaluation, infrastructure, and more.

As a project intern, you will have the opportunity to engage in impactful short-term projects that provide you with a glimpse of professional real-world experience. You will gain practical skills through on-the-job learning in a fast-paced work environment and develop a deeper understanding of your career interests. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage you to apply early.