Research Scientist Graduate, Biomolecular Structure Foundation Models; Seed AI--Science

Join to apply for the Research Scientist Graduate, Biomolecular Structure Foundation Models, (Seed AI-for-Science) - 2026 Start (PhD) role at Byte Dance.

Understanding biological structure is central to deciphering the mechanisms of life and advancing drug design. We are developing next‑generation, structure‑centric, multimodal foundation models that power key applications—from complex structure prediction and functional modeling to de novo molecular design. We are a cross‑disciplinary team of experts in machine learning, structural biology, computational chemistry, and bioinformatics, supported by strong engineering infrastructure and access to large‑scale compute resources.

We aim to develop open, high‑precision, generalisable models that drive breakthroughs in biology and drug discovery. We offer a collaborative, impact‑driven environment at the forefront of biology and artificial intelligence, where your work directly contributes to transformative advances in drug discovery and life sciences. Our team benefits from access to cutting‑edge compute infrastructure, proprietary tools, and a culture that values open science.

By joining us, you’ll have the opportunity to build foundational technologies that shape the future of molecular design and biological understanding. We are looking for talented individuals to join our team in 2026. As a graduate, you will get unparalleled opportunities for you to kick‑start your career, pursue bold ideas and explore limitless growth opportunities. Co‑create a future driven by your inspiration with Byte Dance.

• PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Biology, or a related technical field.
• Strong research background in deep learning, with a publication record in areas such as NLP, computer vision, generative modeling, reinforcement learning, or biological applications.
• Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks such as PyTorch.
• Proven ability to independently drive research ideas from concept to working prototype.
• Deep intellectual curiosity and a proactive approach to engaging with unfamiliar scientific problems and disciplines.

• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of ML researchers, computational biologists, and chemists to tackle cutting‑edge scientific challenges in molecular modelling.
• Develop and optimise large‑scale models that integrate diverse biological modalities (e.g., sequences, 3D structures, molecular properties) to address complex biomolecular challenges—ranging from conformational landscape modelling to interaction and binding affinity prediction, and design of proteins and small molecules.
• Stay current with advances in machine learning and proactively integrate cutting‑edge techniques into our biomolecular models.

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $129,960 - $246,240 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 recognise 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 (pro‑rated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure).

The company reserves the right to modify or change these benefit programmes at any time, with or without notice.

Byte Dance 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,…