Join the Lab
To discuss a project or supervision, email JianJun with a brief account of your research interests.
Graduate students
NYBG works with seven partner universities: Columbia University, Cornell University, the City University of New York, Florida International University, Fordham University, New York University, and Yale University.
JianJun is affiliated with Columbia E3B and the CUNY Graduate Center. Applicants apply separately to NYBG and their chosen university and are encouraged to discuss supervision with a potential NYBG adviser first.
Potential research project directions
- 3D floral reconstruction and phenotypingExplore reconstruction methods, generative 3D, and landmark-free shape representations for comparative biology.
- Evolution of the shape and scent in Bulbophyllum orchidsInvestigate the evolution of floral shape and scent, and how they vary together across Bulbophyllum.
- Organelle genomics and method developmentDevelop long-read assembly methods, or explore large-scale organelle genome data and genome language models.
We welcome students with their own research questions and ideas and are happy to discuss how to develop them together.
Postdocs
We welcome prospective postdocs interested in plant evolution, phylogenetics and genomics, or 3D morphology. Projects can build on the lab’s current work or develop new questions that connect your interests with ours.
Please email JianJun with your CV, a brief description of the questions you would like to pursue, and your anticipated timeline. We can discuss research fit, possible collaborations, and funding or fellowship applications.
For eligible applicants, the Simons Postdoctoral Fellowships in Plant Biology are one fellowship option.
For future application cycles, the Life Sciences Research Foundation fellowships support basic life-science research. The 2026–2027 application deadline has passed.
Interns
Projects may involve floral imaging, 3D reconstruction, or computational analysis.
SCI Network NYC offers paid internships for students enrolled in a New York City high school or undergraduate program. Mentors select applicants from the NYBG-wide pool on a rolling basis as projects and availability allow.
Columbia undergraduates can also explore the CCE Impact Internships Program, which provides stipends for internship-related expenses. The lab previously hosted an intern through CCE’s Spring Internships+ program. Opportunities depend on the program cycle and project availability.
Unpaid placements are considered only in cases with documented course credit or academic requirements. Requests go through NYBG Volunteer Services and require NYBG approval.