Student Researcher; Video Quality Analysis & Coding Strategy PhD

Student Researcher (Video Quality Analysis & Coding Strategy) - 2026 Start (PhD)

Location:

San Jose

Team:
Technology

Employment Type:

Intern

Job Code: A128472

Our team designs and optimizes the next-generation end-to-end video system (for video production, processing, delivery, and consumption) to improve the quality of experience (QoE) for our billions of users. We are looking for strong video algorithm engineers from all areas of video understanding, video processing, video coding, video streaming, and video quality assessment, etc., who have a dedication to technical excellence and a passion to build large-scale and high-performing video platforms and services.

We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in 2026. PhD Internships at our Company aim to provide students with the opportunity to actively contribute to our products and research, and to the organization's future plans and emerging technologies. Our dynamic internship experience blends hands-on learning, enriching community-building and development events, and collaboration with industry experts.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage you to apply early. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date).

Responsibilities:

• Design video analysis (ROI/SOD, content understanding, temporal grounding etc.) and quality assessment algorithms, and participate in database creation, algorithm design/development/optimization, etc.
• Participate in designing strategy and solution for E2E video quality optimization with a combination of video analysis, processing and encoding algorithms
• Apply designed algorithms for VOD / Live streaming monitoring, data analysis, objective evaluation for algorithms etc.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate algorithms into production workflows and validate their impact through A/B testing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a PhD in computer science/electrical engineering or a related technical discipline
• In-depth knowledge of video analysis algorithms or subjective/objective video quality algorithms, and state-of-the-art technologies
• Proficient in one of the following: C, C++, Python

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiar with ML and image processing tools, including sklearn, opencv, ffmpeg, etc
• Familiar with deep learning frameworks (Tensorflow/Pytorch)
• Familiar with Transformer architectures and mainstream multi-modal large models (MLLMs), and hands-on implementation or research experience preferred.
• Familiar with Linux development environments, shell scripting, HDFS etc
• Knowledge of common video processing algorithms, such as supper resolution, defusion model, etc.
• Great communication, eager to learn, and always passionate about turning cutting-edge technologies into real life use cases.

By submitting an application for this role, you accept and agree to our global applicant privacy policy, which may be accessed here:

Compensation Description (Hourly) - Campus Intern

The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $60- $60.

Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Interns have day one access to health insurance, life insurance, wellbeing benefits and more. Interns also receive 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 if hired in second half of year). Interns who are not working 100% remote may also be eligible for housing allowance.

The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.

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.

About Us

Founded in 2012, Byte Dance's mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. With a suite of more than a dozen products, including Tik Tok, Lemon8, Cap Cut and Pico as well as platforms specific to the China market, including Toutiao, Douyin, and Xigua, Byte Dance has made it easier and more fun for people to connect with, consume, and create content.

Why Join Byte Dance

Inspiring creativity is at the core of Byte Dance'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 Byte Dancers, 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

Byte Dance is committed to…