POSITIONS @ CORNELL UNIVERSITY HYBRID BODY LAB
For all positions: REquired application materails
To discuss opportunities, please email the following materials to Prof Kao (cindykao AT cornell DOT edu).
If you identify as a designer, artist, craftsperson, or maker, please include (1) your CV, (2) online or digital portfolio, (3) a description of key skillsets, and (4) a list of 3 references that can be contacted via email.
If you identify as an engineer, scientist, or researcher, please include (1) your CV, (2) representative papers and/or projects, (3) a description of key skillsets, and (4) a list of 3 references that can be contacted via email.
Feel free to include all of the above if you are a hybrid of both.
PHD and Masters Program Application Info
At Cornell University, Prof. Kao can directly advise graduate students (PhDs and Master’s) in the fields of human-centered design, information science, fiber science and apparel design, and electrical and computer engineering. Each field has its specific application requirements and processes; see the links below for details. Candidates should identify and apply for the most suitable program based on their background (you may apply to only one graduate program at Cornell).
We can only start reviewing your application after you apply to a program below.
We receive hundreds of emails about PhD and master's applicants, and we might not be able to reply to all emails individually. Thus, if you want to be considered to work with our lab as a PhD or Masters student, please apply to a program below. Please list Prof. Kao as a faculty of interest in your application / SOP for it to be brought to Prof. Kao’s attention for review.
You cannot apply for a PhD position past the deadline. Please carefully refer to each program webpage for specific due dates, which may vary each year:
PhD Programs: All Ph.D. positions are fully funded.
Master’s (MS/MA/MEng) Programs:
Frequently asked questions:
Q. Is Prof Kao looking to admit PhD and Master's students for FA2026?
A. YES! Please apply!
Cornell University Undergraduate/Graduate Students: Independent Study Opportunities
Prof. Kao has opportunities for Independent Study credits for students of all levels at Cornell University. Please email Prof Kao with the required application materials to discuss taking the credit.
Hybrid Body Lab is seeking two undergraduate research assistants for Spring 2026 to support our upcoming artist residency and exhibition.
Position 1: Artist Residency Assistant
Responsibilities: Support a hair artist in hybrid body art creation and research through rapid prototyping, material experimentation, hardware prototyping, and documentation.
Required skills: Prior experience with 3D modeling and 3D printing.
Preferred skills (optional): Arduino prototyping experience.
Position 2: Hybrid Body Lab Exhibition Assistant
Responsibilities: Support exhibition curation, exhibition design, and coordination of artworks and artifacts.
Required skills: Graphic design skills and experience.
Preferred skills: Strong communication skills, familiarity with exhibition design, digital fabrication, and prior experience exhibiting interactive projects.
TO APPLY: This is an independent study opportunity. To apply, please email: (1) your CV, (2) a description of key skillsets and match with the required skills listed above, (3) online or digital portfolio, and (4) a list of 3 references that can be contacted via email to Prof. Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao (cindykao@cornell.edu) and PhD student Jingwen Zhu (jz497@cornell.edu).
Internships / VISITING SCHOLARS
We have the capacity to host a limited number of internships and visiting scholars each year. Please email Prof Kao with the required application materials listed above to discuss this opportunity.
POSTDOCS
Please view our postdoctoral scholar openings page.