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.

Application Overview

  1. 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.
  2. DSI staff will work with you to coordinate the interview process with the Faculty Mentor(s) who have requested to interview you. 
  3. 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.
  4. 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.)
  5. 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

Student Application Process

FAQs

Who can apply?

In order to be considered eligible for the DSI-BIDS Program, applicants must be enrolled full-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.

How to apply

  • Applications are expected to open this summer.
  • Prepare your transcript, resume, and personal statement.
  • Check the DSI-BIDS website for the application in mid-August.

Tip: Use your statement to highlight technical skills (e.g., Python, PyTorch, scikit-learn, image analysis) and how you’ve applied them.

Questions?

Program email: dsi-bids@columbia.edu.