Mind Science Institute Residency
Neuroscience, Human Consciousness, Entrepreneurship
At MSI:
The MSI Ecosystem is a collective of top brain scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and other doers and thinkers who aim to advance ideas in neuroscience, psychology, brain health and vibrancy, optimized learning, and other cutting-edge topics. Members of this unique group are patient, risk-tolerant, and passionate about the brain and the mystery of human consciousness, in addition to being individually at the top of their respective fields.
The Residency - Menlo Park, CA
A Transformative Experience
The MSI Internship is more than an academic opportunity, it’s a launchpad for future builders and thinkers.
MSI brings together carefully selected undergraduate students from across the US to live and join ongoing research together at the MSI House in Silicon Valley for 4-12 weeks, where they advance research at the intersection of neuroscience, AI, contemplative science, and human consciousness. Every resident collaborates with MSI advisors and mentors to co-create a personalized development plan aligned with their academic background and career goals. Pre-medical students may shadow physicians and contribute to translational research, while data science or engineering students can analyze neural data or develop cognitive algorithms. Residents also develop soft skills such as critical problem solving, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, ensuring their experience translates into long-term growth.
Beyond projects, residents join an expansive ecosystem of like-minded peers, top scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors, participating in curated events, dinners, and the Mind Science Society—a national student-led network exploring consciousness. Residents will also have access to the exclusive BrainMind x Mind Science Institute advisors list, including George Church, Rosalind Picard, Mary Lou Jepsen, etc. Living and learning together, residents form lifelong connections, gain exposure to Silicon Valley innovation, and leave prepared to become interdisciplinary leaders driving the future of mind science.
Housing and Accommodations:
Residents will be provided with housing, a weekly grocery stipend, access to a program-provided car, and opportunities to attend MSI-hosted dinners and private gatherings with leaders in neuroscience, venture capital, technology, and contemplative science.
All rooms will be doubles split between two residents of the same gender. Residents will be allowed to switch roommates if all parties are agreeable.
Some stipends may be available depending on funding and project placement.
MSI can also evaluate partial travel assistance for residents with demonstrated financial need.
Health, Safety & Well-Being:
Your well-being is a core priority at MSI. We want interns to feel secure and supported so they can focus on learning and contributing.
Emergency Contacts & Protocols: Clear information will be provided during orientation, including 24/7 emergency numbers, local urgent-care contacts, and an on-call MSI coordinator for both medical and personal emergencies.
House Safety & Maintenance: The MSI House is equipped with secure entry (locks, cameras) and a designated staff member for reporting and resolving any maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
Health Resources: We offer guidance on local clinics, mental-health services, and urgent-care options for interns who may be new to the area.
Community Standards: Respect for one another’s privacy and well-being is expected. We maintain a code of conduct to ensure that the house is a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Crisis Response: If a serious situation arises, MSI staff are prepared to coordinate with local services and provide support.
We believe that a safe, healthy living environment is the foundation for the kind of open, intellectually adventurous community we’re building.
Deadline:
This application is for a 4-12 week residency program that operates year-round on a rotational basis aligned with academic quarters. Residents can join at any time within Winter, Spring, and Summer windows and begin immediately as spots open up.
Apply Now:
Submit your application to recruiting@mindscienceinstitute.org including:
Statement of Purpose (max 700 words):
Why are you drawn to MSI’s mission?
Which of the three dimensions (Mindful, Mechanical, or Metaphysical) most inspires you?
How do you see yourself contributing to MSI’s projects and community? What other projects or areas of research are you interested in exploring, either as part of MSI or in the future?
Resume or CV
Include relevant research experience, academic background, or other work that reflects your curiosity and commitment.
Three References:
Provide three contacts for employers, professors, or supervisors who can speak to your experiences, skills, character, and potential to thrive in a collaborative, high-intensity environment.
(Optional) Portfolio, GitHub, or Research Samples
Interview Stage:
Selected candidates will be invited to a virtual interview with the House Leader (responsible for residential community life) and a member of the MSI team. This interview helps us understand each candidate’s fit with the program’s immersive and collaborative environment.
Start Date Preferences:
Indicate your preferred start window (for example, Spring quarter, late April) and desired length(8–12 weeks). MSI accommodates rolling arrivals within each quarter.
Operate Under Pioneering Leadership
Dr. Michael McCullough is the founder of the Mind Science Institute (MSI) as well as BrainMind, a global community advancing breakthroughs in brain science. He is also the founder of QuestBridge, a nonprofit that has connected tens of thousands of high-achieving, low-income students with top universities, exemplifying his lifelong commitment to bridging talent and opportunity for the public good.
Known for convening scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors around bold, paradigm-shifting ideas, Dr. McCullough brings decades of experience in turning discoveries about the mind into transformative solutions for humanity.
Interns will have the rare opportunity to learn directly from and collaborate with Dr. McCullough, whose leadership reflects MSI’s mission of combining rigorous inquiry with radical openness to explore the deepest questions of consciousness.
Additional Information
Full-time commitment: Winter, Spring, and Summer sessions, the program is immersive by design, with all interns expected to fully dedicate themselves during the term.
Live and learn together: Interns share a house in the heart of Silicon Valley, forming a close-knit community of curious minds.
Entrepreneurship focus: You’ll gain first-hand exposure to how new ideas are transformed into ventures, from conceptual frameworks to startup-style execution.
Network of pioneers: Meet and collaborate with leading researchers, founders, and investors in AI, neuroscience, bio-tech, and contemplative science.
Access to the Mind Gym: Experiment with cutting-edge tools like EEG, VR, neurofeedback, and brain-computer interfaces as part of MSI’s research initiatives.
Exclusive Events & Curated Dinners: Participate in intimate dinners and gatherings with top-tier scientists, investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, gaining insider insights and building relationships that can shape your career.
Life at MSI
A Shared Space for Discovery: Fellows live together in a collaborative home where discussions often continue long after work hours, over shared meals, late-night brainstorming sessions, and informal reading groups.
Weekly Groceries & Communal Meals: MSI provides weekly groceries for the house, ensuring that the community can focus on their work while enjoying shared cooking and mealtimes.
Shared Transportation: Interns have access to a program-provided car, making it easy to explore nearby research hubs, attend events, and experience the culture of innovation in Silicon Valley.
Curated Dinners & Networking Events: Gain entry to MSI-hosted dinners and private gatherings with leading voices in neuroscience, technology, venture capital, and contemplative science. These experiences provide unmatched opportunities to build a powerful professional network.
A Thriving Ecosystem: With world-class universities, labs, and startup incubators nearby, the MSI residential experience allows interns to immerse themselves in the region’s entrepreneurial energy.
A Culture of Curiosity & Support: Beyond the projects, interns form deep friendships and professional connections that often last long after the program ends.
Life at MSI is designed to be intellectually stimulating, personally meaningful, and unforgettable, an incubator for both ideas and lifelong connections.
Access to Mind Science Society (MSS)
Interns in the MSI program gain direct access to the Mind Science Society (MSS), a student-led network dedicated to exploring the mysteries of the mind across the Mindful, Mechanical, and Metaphysical dimensions.
MSS currently thrives at Stanford, the University of Chicago, Northwestern, and UCLA, bringing together curious students who bridge science, technology, and inner experience. As an MSI Fellow, you’ll be invited to:
Through MSS, the fellowship experience continues well beyond your time in Silicon Valley, empowering you to bring cutting-edge conversations and collaborative energy back to your own campus and community.
FAQs
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No. Curiosity, open-mindedness, and commitment to learning are the primary criteria.
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Yes. The program is immersive by design; living and collaborating in the same space is a core part of the experience.
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A: Our housing brings together all participants, across genders, under one roof. Each intern has their own secure bedroom, while common spaces (kitchen, lounge, study areas) are shared. This arrangement reflects the collaborative, team-based environment of neurotechnology research and innovation.
Our program’s philosophy is that innovation thrives in a collaborative community. Co-ed housing mirrors the reality of professional environments in labs, startups, and research institutions, where people of all genders work and live alongside one another with shared goals.
Students can confidentially approach program staff at any time. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where every participant feels safe and respected.
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Housing, weekly groceries, access to a shared car, and curated networking events are provided; some stipends may be available depending on funding and project placement.
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Absolutely. Interns will have the opportunity to engage with MSI’s leadership and distinguished collaborators from across disciplines.
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Travel to and from the program is not covered. However, for interns with demonstrated financial need, for example, those receiving university or QuestBridge funding, MSI can evaluate requests for partial travel support.
Approval must be requested in advance and is subject to review and available funding.
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Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but early application is encouraged due to limited residential spots.