Join Us
We typically take on new lab members at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. If you're interested in joining the lab, please refer to the link below and complete the form provided. This helps us get a better sense of your background, interests, and availability. If you're not currently looking to join but would like to stay informed about future research opportunities—whether for undergraduate or Master's-level students—you’re also encouraged to fill out the form. By doing so, you'll be added to our interest list and notified about any upcoming projects or openings that align with your experience and goals.
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Positions
Read More About Our Positions Below
Our goal is that all personnel will leave our lab as curious thinkers, excellent experimentalists, and enthusiastic pursuers of big ideas.
Postdoctoral Fellow
As a postdoc in the McIlvain Lab, you will work on research projects related to neuroscience and neuroengineering. You will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment, and will collaborate with scientists from various fields. We are looking for candidates who have a Ph.D. in a related field, a strong publication record, and excellent communication skills.
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As a postdoc, you will have opportunities to join an existing project to build skills in the neuromechanical imaging field. And you will have freedom to work on project directions which interest you.
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Our goal is to provide strong support to postdocs to help building a skill set in support of their career path of choice. Dr. McIlvain is committed to providing excellent mentorship for her postdocs, and expects that her postdocs will be a mentor to junior lab members.
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Postdoctoral salaries at Columbia start at $70,000 a year.
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If you're interested, or if you have any questions please email gm3128@columbia.edu.
PhD Students
McIlvain Lab is currently recruiting PhD students to start Fall 2024. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for scientific learning, inquiry, and innovation.
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PhD students will work on projects that contribute to the broader objectives of the lab and fit within their individual interests. To receive a PhD in BME, all students must pursue at least one technical question and one clinical application of their work. PhD students are expected to be highly motivated and enthusiastic about reserach, and persistent in overcoming challenges.
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Dr. McIlvain is strongly committed to mentoring PhD students in innovative thinking, research methodology, and oral and written communication. Students will receive guidance from Dr. McIlvain in every step of their graduate school path and beyond.
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All PhD research assistantship slots include full tuition coverage and a yearly stipend of $41,520.
To apply, please email your CV and a short description of your interest in research to gm3128@columbia.edu.
Master's Students
The McIlvain Lab is looking for Masters Degree Students who are interested in Neuroimaging.
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Master's students will learn by assisting on broader lab projects, and eventually be expected to take on an independent research question.
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Master's students are expected to commit at least 10 hours each week to lab work and must commit to at least 1 full year with the lab.
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Master's students in BME will be given priority for research slots, but students in other departments are encouraged to apply if their interests are well aligned with the goals of the McIlvain Lab.
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Note that master's students are typically not funded by the lab or the department, but research can be counted towards academic credit. Funding may be available for motivated students who have made significant progress on their research question to attend conferences.
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To apply, please email your CV and a short description of your interest in research to gm3128@columbia.edu.​
Undergraduate Students
The McIlvain Lab is invested in supporting undergraduate research.
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The role of undergraduates in the lab is to help facilitate large lab projects. This includes attending data collections to help with MRI scanning and collection of cognitive and other behavioral measures. Undergraduates may also be asked to assist on image processing and analysis.
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Undergraduate students are expected to be available at least 5 hours per week and must commit to at least 1 full year with the lab. Undergraduate students in BME will be given priority for research slots.
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Note that undergraduate research is not funded by the lab or department, but can be counted towards academic credits. There are several programs to support undergraduate students in research, particularly in the summer. We will help students who are committed to the lab find these opportunities.
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To apply, please email your CV and a short description of your interest in research to gm3128@columbia.edu.
McIlvain Lab Inclusivity Policy
We are committed to a lab culture of inclusivity and anti-discrimination. We welcome people from all backgrounds to join our team, and work to provide a safe inclusive environment for all members and guests of our lab.
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We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or unkindness from any member or guest of the lab. All harassment policies laid out by Columbia University will be strictly enforced by Dr. McIlvain.