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Mind Science Fellowship Program

Mind Science Institute Residency — Neuroscience, Philosophy & Entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley

Location: Silicon Valley, California (In-person, Residential)

Program Dates: 4–12 weeks | Yearlong

Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a strong academic foundation ready to commit to an intensive, collaborative startup experience.

Program Overview

The MSI Residency is a highly selective 4–12 week residential program that provides exclusive access to Dr. Michael McCullough’s extensive network of leading scientists, founders, and investors for radically curious undergraduates passionate about neuroscience, philosophy, and entrepreneurship.

Residents collaborate in a mission-driven startup environment to advance neuroscience and consciousness research. Participants live and join ongoing research together in the MSI House in Silicon Valley, gaining firsthand experience in how startups transform innovative ideas into ventures.

Under the leadership of Dr. Michael McCullough, residents gain exposure to cutting-edge tools in the Mind Gym (EEG, VR, neurofeedback, brain-computer interfaces), while engaging with leading scientists, investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders through exclusive discussions and curated events. Working closely with MSI advisors and mentors, residents will create a personalized development plan that guides their personalized career-focused experiences, from shadowing physicians to leading and designing projects aligned with their long-term goals.

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.

You Will

Advance Mind Research: Participate in mission-driven projects at the intersection of neuroscience, AI, and contemplative science.
Collaborate & Connect: Collaborate with like-minded peers in an intense, mission-driven startup environment, building lifelong bonds while living together in the MSI House.
Receive Mentorship: Be paired with an MSI advisor to craft a tailored development plan, and guide your professional development and project goals. You will also have access to the exclusive BrainMind x Mind Science Institute advisors list, including George Church, Rosalind Picard, Mary Lou Jepsen, etc.
Personalized Professional Experiences: Advance your professional development through career-focused opportunities enabled and crafted from Dr. Michael McCullough’s expansive network of leading scientists, founders, and venture capitalist, including experiences such as:
- Pre-Med & Life Sciences: Shadowing top physicians using AI in healthcare.
- Business & Entrepreneurship: Leading or designing projects within early-stage ventures.
- Neuroscience & Cognitive Science: Engaging in mentored experiments exploring learning and perception.
- Engineering & Computer Science: Exploring building neuro-inspired AI systems or prototypes.
- Philosophy, Design, or Policy: Exploring the ethical, creative, and social dimensions of intelligence.
Network with Leaders: Attend private dinners, events, and compete with other residents to have the opportunity to attend exclusive conferences with top scientists, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Access the Mind Gym: Experiment with EEG, VR, neurofeedback, and brain–computer interfaces.

Who You Are

We are seeking radically curious, mission-driven, and interdisciplinary individuals who are:

Curious & Analytical: Fascinated by the science of consciousness, perception, and reality.
Driven: Thrive in a high-intensity, mission-focused environment.
Interdisciplinary: Excited to bridge neuroscience, philosophy, and technology.
Entrepreneurial: Interested in translating research and inquiry into practical applications.
Academically Strong: Backgrounds may include:
- STEM: Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, AI/ML, Physics, Bioengineering, Mathematics, Pre-med.
- Humanities & Social Sciences: Psychology, Philosophy, Anthropology, Religious Studies.
- Creative & Applied Fields: Product Design, Entrepreneurship, Media, UI/UX.
Committed: Ready to participate fully in an intensive 4–12 week residential experience in Silicon Valley.

Program Benefits

Mentorship from top researchers and entrepreneurs
Direct collaboration with Dr. Michael McCullough
Potential opportunities for shadowing, publication, portfolio projects, or leadership experiences
Access to the Mind Science Society (MSS) — a national student-led network
Immersive, community-based learning experience

Housing and Accommodations

Housing provided at the MSI House in Silicon Valley
All rooms will be doubles shared between two residents of the same gender, residents will be allowed to switch roommates if all parties are agreeable
Shared meals, groceries, and access to a program provided car
Project stipends may be available depending on funding and project placement

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.

3: How to Submit Your Application?

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.
Two Letters of Recommendation:
- From a professor, lab manager, or a supervisor who can speak to your academic ability, character, and potential for collaboration in a rigorous, team-based environment.
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 (e.g., “Spring quarter, late April”) and desired length(e.g., 8–12 weeks). MSI accommodates rolling arrivals within each quarter.

Deadline: Continuous rolling applications as spots become available

Background Check: A background check will be performed for all applicants