The DSI Biomedical Imaging & Data Science Scholars Program (DSI-BIDS) is a new collaboration between The Center for Innovation in Imaging Biomarkers and Integrated Diagnostics (CIMBID) and Data Science Institute (DSI).
Program Overview
This program supports interdisciplinary research projects at the intersection of AI and biomedical imaging by connecting researchers to students with data science expertise, while providing Columbia students with meaningful opportunities to apply their skills in a clinical research context.
Faculty applications are accepted twice each year, and are selected for funding and support following careful review by DSI leadership. Shortly thereafter, project summaries are posted to the DSI and CIMBID websites, where students may apply to no more than two (2) projects each cycle. DSI staff provide robust coordination and support throughout the application review and interviewing process.
For more information, send us an email.
ELIGIBILITY
Faculty Proposals
Team Structure: Each proposal must include at least two Columbia PIs: One PhD + one MD. At least one must be a member of CIMBID.
Project Scope: Must align with CIMBID’s mission to advance research, education, and clinical translation in AI-driven imaging biomarkers and integrated diagnostics with a focus on AI/biomedical imaging.
Student Scholars
Any Columbia graduate student enrolled at least half time in a degree-granting program is eligible for a paid role through the DSI-BIDS program. MSDS students may be eligible to receive academic credit for their participation, subject to advisor approval.
FOR STUDENTS
Do real research. Build real impact.
The DSI Biomedical Imaging & Data Science Scholars Program (DSI-BIDS) connects Columbia graduate students with interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of AI, biomedical imaging, and data science. You’ll work with Columbia faculty, level up your skills, and contribute to research that matters.
Students selected for this program contribute hands-on to research in AI and biomedical imaging with close mentorship from joint research-clinician Columbia faculty teams. In addition to opportunities for co-authorship, DSI-BIDS Scholars build professional skills in data science, teamwork, and scientific communication. DSI-BIDS Scholars also receive financial compensation, while MSDS students may opt for academic credit with advisor approval.
- Review the selected projects for the upcoming term; you may apply to at most two (2) projects each semester. DSI will contact you within 1 month of the final application deadline if you have been selected for an interview.
- DSI staff will work with you to coordinate the interview process with the Faculty Mentor(s) who have requested to interview you.
- DSI staff will notify you within 3 weeks of your interview date if you have been selected as a Scholar for the upcoming semester. You will have one (1) week to confirm your participation.
- As a DSI-BIDS Scholar, you will spend approximately 10 hours per week contributing to your selected project, for which you will be compensated at a competitive hourly rate of $27 per hour. (MS in Data Science students may be eligible for academic credit).
- You will receive personalized mentorship from your project faculty, as well as co-authorship opportunities on research publications.
Selection Criteria
- Strong interest or experience in data science/ML/AI
- Technical skills required will vary by project. Project specific skills required will be shared when the projects are posted in mid-August.(Ability to work independently and contribute to research teams
- Clear motivation in personal statement
Application materials
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Personal statement (300 - 500 words)
- Optional: reference contact information
For additional details about the expectations and requirements for DSI-Bids Scholars, please reach out to us via email.
Who can apply?
In order to be considered eligible for the DSI-BIDS Program, applicants must be enrolled at least half-time as a Columbia graduate student during the semester that the research will be conducted.
Is this remote or hybrid?
Students must be available in-person; labs may set specific on-site expectations.
What is the compensation and hiring process?
DSI-BIDS Scholars are hired as hourly researchers by CIMBID at a rate of $27 per hour. Selected Scholars must complete all onboarding paperwork (including obtaining a SSN if they do not already have one), and submit weekly timesheets.
I am an MS in Data Science student. How can I receive credit?
If you are accepted to the program and wish to earn academic credit, you must first obtain approval from your academic advisor. If approved, your academic advisor will provide guidance on next steps and enrollment requirements.
How many hours can I work during the semester?
Fall and Spring Semesters: Plan for ~10 hrs/week
Summer: 35 - 40 hours per week
Will I be included in publications?
Yes! Scholars will be given co-authorship on relevant publications.
FOR FACULTY
The DSI Biomedical Imaging & Data Science Scholars Program (DSI-BIDS) connects Columbia faculty and students for semester-long collaborations to advance interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, data science, and biomedical imaging. By pairing faculty-led projects with student expertise, DSI-BIDS provides meaningful research opportunities while supporting innovative approaches to personalized medicine.
Eligibility
- Team Structure: At least two Columbia Principal Investigators (PIs) (one PhD + one MD).
- CIMBID Member: One PI must be affiliated with CIMBID.
- Project Scope: Must align with CIMBID’s mission and focus on AI/biomedical imaging.
PI Commitments
- Mentorship: The primary PI on each project must commit to mentor the selected student for a minimum of 1 hour per week during the project cycle. Student researchers are expected to commit about 10 hours per week on the project during the spring and fall semesters.
- Publication: PIs must articulate a clear path for students to be included as co-authors on relevant publications.
- Funding: PIs will receive partial funding from CIMBID and DSI (approximately $2,520) to support a student researcher. PIs are expected to provide the remaining balance (approximately $1,260) for an estimated 140 hours of student work.
Proposal Selection Criteria
- Alignment with CIMBID’s mission and biomedical imaging research
- Interdisciplinary team structure (PhD + MD, including CIMBID member)
- Feasibility for a 1-semester student project
- Prepare and submit your project proposal. Please indicate the name, UNI, degree type and affiliation of each PI. You will be notified within 1 month if your project has been selected.
- DSI staff will curate and share the application materials of up to 10 students who may be a good match for your project’s needs. Our staff will also coordinate the interview process for up to 5 student applicants of your choosing from the applicant pool.
- You will benefit from administrative support for your scholar’s hiring and onboarding allowing you to both benefit from the unique skills and allowing you to focus on mentorship and project guidance. In turn, Scholars gain meaningful hands-on experience while contributing to the success of your research project.
What is the DSI Biomedical Imaging & Data Science Scholars Program?
The DSI Biomedical Imaging & Data Science Scholars Program (DSI-BIDS) connects Columbia faculty with data science students to advance interdisciplinary research in AI and biomedical imaging while providing students with hands-on research experience.
How do I participate in this program?
Complete the Faculty Application before the deadline. While late applications are not accepted, if you miss the deadline for a given semester you are welcome to submit your project for consideration the next term.
The Fall 2026 application is closed. The next application cycle and deadline will be announced in late 2026. Please check back for updated information.
Who is eligible to apply?
Faculty teams must include at least two Columbia PIs (one PhD and one MD), with at least one PI affiliated with CIMBID. Projects must align with CIMBID’s mission.
Can non-Columbia researchers participate in this program?
Researchers external from Columbia may be listed as collaborators on a project. PI’s must be from Columbia.
What types of projects are a good fit?
Projects should focus on AI, data science, and biomedical imaging and be feasible for meaningful student contribution within one semester.
How are proposals evaluated?
Selection is based on mission alignment, interdisciplinary team structure, and feasibility for a one-semester project.
Do I need my own funding to participate in the DSI-BIDS program?
Yes. PIs will receive partial support (approximately $2,520) from CIMBID and DSI to fund a student researcher and are expected to cover the remaining balance (approximately $1,260) for an estimated 140 hours.
How many students are supported per project?
Typically, one student researcher is assigned per project.
What is the faculty time commitment?
The primary PI is expected to provide at least 1 hour of mentorship per week. Students may work no more than approximately 10 hours per week.
How are students selected?
The BIDS team manages the recruitment process, while faculty PIs are responsible for reviewing matched applications, conducting interviews, and selecting a student researcher within the provided timeframe.
CIMBID is a multidisciplinary center based in the Department of Radiology of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, with a focus on leveraging novel artificial intelligence (AI) approaches in conjunction with cutting-edge biomedical imaging technologies and multi-modal biomarkers to transform personalized medicine. Our activities span innovative research, education, and clinical translation. From developing next-generation AI approaches to engaging trainees at all levels, we aim to advance disease prevention, detection, and treatment.
DSI connects more than 400 faculty and researchers across Columbia, supporting collaborative, data-driven work that advances knowledge and unlocks solutions to previously unanswerable questions in fields from medicine to law and cybersecurity to journalism.