COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY · UNITED STATES
PhD in Biological and Artificial Intelligence (BioAI)
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 3-5 yearsProgram Duration
- 5-10 students annuallyAnnual Cohort Size
- Fully fundedFunding
- Direct admission to research labAdmission Type
- Dry lab research onlyResearch Focus
- Long Island, NY locationCampus Location
The PhD in Biological and Artificial Intelligence (BioAI) program at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is a specialized, fast-track doctoral program designed for students at the intersection of AI and biology. This program focuses on quantitative and computational research, requiring students to have a master's degree or equivalent in a field such as computer science, physics, mathematics, or engineering. Unlike traditional PhD programs, BioAI students are directly admitted into a specific research lab, bypassing the typical rotation period. The program emphasizes "dry lab" research, meaning all work is computational or data-driven, not involving wet lab experiments. Students will contribute to shaping the future of research and industry by becoming innovators in areas where AI meets neuroscience, genomics, and other biological sciences.
Curriculum
The BioAI PhD program is structured for efficient progression, with students directly entering their chosen research lab. The curriculum integrates essential coursework with intensive research experience, culminating in a dissertation. Students are admitted directly into a specific lab and do not participate in rotations.
- Year 1
- Scientific Exposition & Ethics
- One or two selected modules
- Weekly BioAI Seminar
- Thesis Proposal Defense
- Years 2-5
- Advanced coursework (e.g., computational genomics, neuroscience, single-cell analysis)
- Bi-annual thesis committee meetings
- Graduate Student Symposia & weekly seminars
- Career and Skills Development Course (Year 3)
- Dissertation & oral defense
Careers
The BioAI PhD program prepares graduates for leadership roles in research and industry, focusing on the convergence of artificial intelligence and biological sciences. Graduates will be equipped to tackle complex challenges at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological innovation.
- AI Researcher in Biology
- Computational Biologist
- Data Scientist in Life Sciences
- Machine Learning Engineer for Biological Applications
- Genomics Analyst
- Neuroscience Researcher
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the BioAI PhD program?
- Applicants must have a Master's degree or equivalent in a quantitative field like computer science, physics, mathematics, or engineering. A biology background is not required, and equivalent quantitative preparation may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- What is the duration of the BioAI PhD program?
- The program typically takes 3-5 years to complete. It is designed as a fast-track doctoral program with direct admission into a specific research lab.
- Is the BioAI PhD program fully funded?
- Yes, all students admitted to the BioAI PhD program receive full tuition, a stipend for living costs, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. The program is fully funded.
- How do I apply to the BioAI PhD program?
- Prospective students should first contact potential Principal Investigators to ensure research alignment and confirm lab funding. Required application materials include a CV, statement of purpose, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a list of faculty mentor preferences.
- When does the application period for the BioAI PhD program open?
- Applications typically open in December and are considered on a rolling basis until positions are filled. However, applications are currently closed.
- What career paths can I pursue after graduating from the BioAI PhD program?
- Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in research and industry, including positions such as AI Researcher in Biology, Computational Biologist, Data Scientist in Life Sciences, and Machine Learning Engineer for Biological Applications.
Entry requirements
Master's degree or equivalentRequired in a quantitative field such as computer science, physics, mathematics, or engineering. A biology background is not required.
Equivalent quantitative preparationApplicants without a formal master's degree may be considered if they can demonstrate master's-level quantitative preparation through coursework, research, professional experience, technical projects, publications, or other evidence. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact potential Principal Investigators before applying to ensure a good match in research interests and confirm funding availability, as students are accepted directly into a specific lab.
Fees
Tuition (international)Fully funded
Tuition (home)Fully funded
LivingStipend provided (amount not specified)
All students receive full tuition, a stipend, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
How to apply
1. Contact Potential MentorsProspective students are encouraged to contact Principal Investigators whose research aligns with their interests to ensure a good fit and confirm lab funding availability before applying.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all required documents, including a CV, statement of purpose, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Identify faculty mentor preferences.
3. Submit ApplicationSubmit the complete application package through the CSHL application portal by the specified deadline.
4. InterviewsInvitations for an in-person interview will be extended on a case-by-case basis to selected candidates.
5. Admission DecisionAdmission is contingent upon faculty funding availability and committee approval.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the BioAI PhD program?
+
Applicants must have a Master's degree or equivalent in a quantitative field like computer science, physics, mathematics, or engineering. A biology background is not required, and equivalent quantitative preparation may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What is the duration of the BioAI PhD program?
+
The program typically takes 3-5 years to complete. It is designed as a fast-track doctoral program with direct admission into a specific research lab.
Is the BioAI PhD program fully funded?
+
Yes, all students admitted to the BioAI PhD program receive full tuition, a stipend for living costs, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. The program is fully funded.
How do I apply to the BioAI PhD program?
+
Prospective students should first contact potential Principal Investigators to ensure research alignment and confirm lab funding. Required application materials include a CV, statement of purpose, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a list of faculty mentor preferences.
When does the application period for the BioAI PhD program open?
+
Applications typically open in December and are considered on a rolling basis until positions are filled. However, applications are currently closed.
What career paths can I pursue after graduating from the BioAI PhD program?
+
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in research and industry, including positions such as AI Researcher in Biology, Computational Biologist, Data Scientist in Life Sciences, and Machine Learning Engineer for Biological Applications.