How do I join the HXI Lab?

Last updated on Jul 12, 2022

The HXI lab works continously with a large number of students and researchers, spanning Undergraduate Students in CSE, CogSci, BioEngineering, [Design/HCI](http://Design Lab.ucsd.edu) (and more), Master Students in CSE, Data Science, Public Health, Visual Arts (and more), and Ph.D. students in CSE, CogSci, [Design/HCI](http://Design Lab.ucsd.edu), BioEngineering, Data Science, Biomedical Informatics (and more).

We are also happy to work with Postdoctoral Researchers, or host any Visiting Researchers (Students, Postdocs, or Faculty), if we see a fit with the HXI lab, the CSE department or the Design Lab.

Please browse through our page to see a list of our current lab members, as well as our alumni.

I want to join as a…

Ph.D. Students

For the academic year 2022/2023 the HXI lab is NOT looking for new Prospective Ph.D. Students.

As a Ph.D. student you engage with the HXI lab over several years doing fundamental and applied research towards the accomplishment of your Ph.D. Thesis.

There are two main ways to enagage with the lab as a Ph.D. student:

The latter case involves (1) Applying to UCSD as a Ph.D. Student, (2) discuss with Prof. Weibel your research and graduate studies goals, and if there is a fit (3) secure a Ph.D. Student position for multiple years in the HXI Lab.

Ph.D. students in the HXI Lab typically graduate in 5 years, and are engaged in a number of research projects and teaching activities.

Research: As a lab we usually have a number of research projects funded by government agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, by industrial partners, or by non-profit research organizations, and Ph.D. students are typically responsible for one or more objectives towards these projects. We also strive to secure individual research fellowship for Ph.D. students either theough government funding, or industry funding, to increase the independency from project-based funding for the Ph.D. student’s research.

Teaching: UCSD Ph.D. students are typically required to teach at least one or two quarters throughout their Ph.D. (different departments have different rules). The HXI lab offers a number of classess across Computer Science and Design, and Ph.D. students will be regularly involved in these activities.

If you are interested in joining the HXI lab as a Ph.D. students and the lab is looking for Prospective students for the following academic year, you should get in contact with Prof. Weibel, or any of his current Ph.D. students or Postdocs at least one year before joining, ideally in the summer before applying to the Ph.D. program.

Master Students

Master students can typically join the HXI Lab:

*Departments other than CSE might offer similar research credits or thesis opportunities. Please discuss with Prof. Weibel your particular case, if it is not in CSE.

We typically do not offer paid GSR to new Master Students. We also do not engage in a MS Thesis with students who did not already join the lab before their thesis. The usual path is to volunteer in the lab or take research credits, and then enquire about paid GSRs or being advised in a MS Thesis.

We encourage Master Students who fit within the scope of the HXI lab to extend their engagement to 2-3 quarters or more.

In order to engage with the HXI Lab as a Master Student, please look at current projects, and engage with the students or postdocs working on projects that you are interested in. Also keep an eye out for emails that your major or department advisors might send out for opportunities for specific projects.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students can typically join the HXI Lab:

  • as volunteer research assistants (unpaid)
  • as part of a scheduled Directed Study Group (E.g. CSE/CogSci/DSGN 198)*
  • as Indipendent Projects (e.g. CSE/CogSci/DSGN 199)*
  • as a paid research assistant

*If your department 198/199 is not listed above, it is typically possible to discuss with your major or department undergraduate advisors how would research in the HXI Lab count towards research credits.

We typically do not offer paid reseach assistantships to new Undergraduate Students. The usual path is to (1) volunteer in the lab, (2) take research credits, and then (3) be offered a paid position if the students are working on a funded project.

We encourage undergraduate students who fit within the scope of the HXI lab to extend their engagement to 2-3 quarters or more.

In order to engage with the HXI Lab as an Undergraduate Student, please look at current projects, and engage with the students or postdocs working on projects that you are interested in. Also keep an eye out for emails that your major or department advisors might send out for opportunities for specific projects.

How do I signup for 198/199 credits?

After having discussed fit and specifics of the project, including the number of units (2 for engagement < 10hr/week, or 4 for ≥ 10hr/week), undergraduate students interested in engaging in 198/199 courses should submit a request for a 199 independent research project or a 198 directed syudy group via EASy. Submitted requests will be reviewed and if approved by Prof. Weibel and the Department, the registrar will create a new 199 or 198 section and students will be able to enroll.

Postdoctoral Researcher

The HXI lab is always looking for talented Postdoctoral Researchers who would like to join the lab for at least 1-2 years.

If you are finishing your terminal graduate degree (Ph.D., M.D., M.F.A, etc.) in a related field, or if you already have a terminal graduate degree and are interested in the HXI lab’s research, please contact Prof. Weibel or any of his current Ph.D. students or Postdocs.

In order to join as a Postdoctal Scholars, funding for the Postdoc position should already be available.

Typically Postdocs already have their source of funding (such as a scholarship or a fellowship), and in that case the prospective Postdoc should get in contact with Prof. Weibel to discuss possibilities and next steps.

Sometimes we do have Postdoctoral Positions that opens to join existing research project, and we advertise these widely. So keep an eye out for emails on international mailing lists such as the ones on the SIGCHI Listserv for opportunities as Postdoctoral Researcher for specific projects.

In case there is a research fit, but no current funding, please research possible funding avenues (including at the UC, UC San Diego, CSE, and Design Lab levels), make a list and consider deadlines, and then get in contact with Prof. Weibel. Typically we are happy to help with writing Postdoctoral Fellowship proposals, or help with funding to the extent that this is feasible.

If you are an international scholar, the UCSD’s office of Postdoctoral Affairs will assist you in securing a visa and any other sponsoring documentation to enter the US, however keep in mind that this will take time, so please consider that time in your timeline.

Visiting Researcher

We often have short and longer term visiting researchers join the HXI lab.

Visiting researchers are always volunteer and self-funded positions, and you need to already have an existing position in a different institution. Visiting Researchers can be at the Student, Postdoc or Facuty position. We will secure space and resources at UC San Diego for the length of your visiting time.

If you are interested in such a position, please get in contact with Prof. Weibel to discuss the fit with the HXI lab and any of the existing projects, share your plan and timeline, as well as the most updated CV. Be prepared to show financial support documentation to UCSD in order to setup your appointment.

Typically we are able to set up Visiting Researcher positions in the CSE Department or the Design Lab.