Join the HCMI Lab
The lab supervises PhD, MASc, MEng and undergraduate students, and hosts visiting researchers and postdoctoral fellows. Positions depend on funding and supervisory capacity.
About the Lab
The HCMI Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University studies generative search and LLM-based retrieval, fairness and adversarial robustness in ranking, and governance on online and decentralized platforms.
See Publications for current work.
Open Positions
PhD & MASc Students
Thesis-based graduate students in information retrieval, machine learning or related areas.
AREAS
- Generative search and LLM-based retrieval
- LLM-as-a-judge and retrieval evaluation
- Fair ranking and adversarial robustness
- Platform governance and DAOs
REQUIREMENTS
- Degree in CS, ECE, statistics or a related field (a master's for PhD applicants)
- Prior research: a thesis, publication or substantial project
- Proficiency in Python and a deep learning framework
- Meets TMU graduate English language requirements
MEng Students
Course-based master's students completing a project with the lab.
AREAS
- LLM-based retrieval and RAG systems
- Evaluation pipelines for search and LLMs
REQUIREMENTS
- Enrolled in a TMU MEng program
- Proficiency in Python
- Coursework in machine learning
Undergraduate Students
Research assistant, internship and directed-study positions.
REQUIREMENTS
- Completed coursework in programming and statistics
- Proficiency in Python
INCLUDE IN YOUR EMAIL
- Transcript
- Available hours per week
Visiting Students & Visiting Scholars
Researchers from other institutions working on a defined joint project.
POSSIBLE ARRANGEMENTS
- Research visit (1–6 months)
- Short-term exchanges
- Collaborative projects
REQUIREMENTS
- A proposed project aligned with the lab's work
- Funding from the home institution or an external source
Postdoctoral Fellows
PhD holders in information retrieval, machine learning or a related field.
REQUIREMENTS
- First-author publications at relevant venues (e.g. SIGIR, CIKM, ECIR, ICWSM)
- A research statement
AREAS
- Generative search and LLM evaluation
- Fair and robust neural ranking
- Platform governance and decentralized systems
How to Apply
Prepare Your Documents
A CV and a short statement of research interest.
Read Recent Publications
Your email should refer to specific work from the lab.
Use This Email Subject
Example: Prospective PhD Student | Jane Smith | Fairness in Large Language Models
Email Contents
- Degree program and intended start term
- Research interests, with reference to lab publications
- Prior research: thesis, papers or code
- CV attached
Selection & Interview
Shortlisted candidates are contacted for an interview, online or in person.
Submit Your Formal Application
If invited, apply through TMU Graduate Admissions.
What I Look For
Evidence of independent technical work: a thesis, paper or substantial code repository.
Funding Opportunities
CANADIAN STUDENTS
- NSERC Graduate Scholarships
- TMU Graduate Awards
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
- TMU International Entrance Scholarship
- Mitacs Globalink
- Other external funding opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous research experience?
Required for PhD and postdoctoral applicants. Not required for undergraduate positions.
Should I contact the lab before applying?
Yes. Graduate applicants should contact the lab before submitting a formal application.
Read Before You Reach Out
Emails that do not follow the subject format above may not receive a reply.