Under the surge of interest surrounding large AI models, competition for technical talent among companies is intensifying. As of July 10, it has been reported that ByteDance is actively recruiting PhD candidates graduating between September 2024 and August 2025. The recruitment focuses on two main areas: the technical research and development of large models, including fields such as machine learning, computer vision, and audio generation, and the application of technology in large models, which encompasses AI applications, search and recommendation systems, advertising, robotics, and more.
ByteDance stands out as a leading company in China's tech industry when it comes to recruiting talent related to large models. Insider reports indicate that this year, ByteDance's recruitment for AI talent is the most extensive among industry players. Data from a talent intelligence platform supports this claim, showing that in the first half of the year, ByteDance had the highest number of newly created AI positions. ByteDance ranks first with a recruitment index of 9.53, significantly ahead of competitors like Xiaohongshu (7.96), Ant Group (5.84), Meituan (4.86), and Tencent (2.48).
In its recent specialized recruitment for PhD candidates, ByteDance is particularly interested in academic professionals with publications in top conferences and journals or relevant patents, as well as competition participants with outstanding achievements in internationally recognized contests and practical talent who have contributed to major projects. The company plans to pair these candidates with technical mentors across various specialized fields and offers competitive salaries.
In an effort to retain top talent, ByteDance has allowed some high-performing employees to convert stock options into cash, catering to the growing preference for immediate compensation over equity participation.
Before ByteDance’s initiative, Tencent also commenced its recruitment program targeting elite AI talent, aiming at PhDs graduating between January 2023 and December 2025, alongside undergraduate and master’s students graduating from January 2024 to December 2025. Tencent is looking for candidates in ten specific technical fields, including AI large models and financial technology. Similar specialized recruitment efforts have also been launched by other major tech companies such as Meituan, Ant Group, and Baidu.
The primary drivers behind these recruitment efforts include the increasing importance of large model-related businesses and the shortage of talent in this area. A senior executive from a large model computing company has pointed out that talents in short supply fall into two categories: those specializing in foundational large model technology and those with a hybrid skill set that combines understanding of this technology with real-world applications.
Data from the talent platform shows that this year, the most sought-after positions include roles in large model algorithms, ChatGPT researchers, cloud computing, and digital front-end engineering, with a talent supply-demand ratio of less than 0.5, indicating that two positions compete for every available candidate. Specifically, the supply-demand ratio for large model algorithms is as low as 0.17, meaning six positions vie for each talent.
However, according to the aforementioned senior executive, cultivating hybrid talents who grasp both foundational computing systems and application software in specific industries is particularly challenging. The development of AI talent should integrate practical training with educational research, enabling educational institutions to tailor their talent development to the fast-paced evolution of the industry.
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