PhD

Joint Carnegie Mellon – University of Pittsburgh Computational Biology (CPCB) PhD Program

The Joint Carnegie Mellon-University of Pittsburgh PhD Program in Computational Biology (CPCB) provides interdisciplinary training in computational biology supported by leading experts from two renowned computer science and biomedical research institutions. Students receive training from 57 core faculty and 57 affiliated faculty, representing more than 30 departments and centers in the universities. The CPCB program positions students to tackle scientific questions at the interface of life, physical, engineering and computer sciences. 

Curriculum

Through training in machine learning, advanced algorithms and lab methods, students will develop the skillset and confidence to pursue scientific careers. In addition to core courses in these areas, students are required to take three elective courses: a life sciences elective and two open electives. The open electives may be selected from five specialization areas, allowing students to chart their own career paths: 

• Bioimage Informatics: Bioimage informatics draws upon advances in signal processing, molecular biology and machine learning to provide answers to biological questions. Techniques like microscopy and sensitive digital cameras collect biological images in digital form, creating a need for sophisticated image processing and analysis. 

• Cellular and Systems Modeling: Cellular and systems modeling is focused on studying the dynamics of biological and biomedical processes from a whole system point of view. Engineering tools are used along with genome-scale information to understand systems ranging from tissue to molecular assemblies. 

• Computational Genomics: Computational genomics targets understanding gene/protein function, identifying and characterizing cellular regulatory networks, and discerning the link between genes and diseases. Discovery and processing of this information is pivotal in the development of novel gene therapy strategies and tools. 

• Biological Physics: Biological physics uses principles from physics to gain insights into the fundamental processes underlying living systems. Concepts from statistical physics, dynamical systems and fluid dynamics are applied to biological phenomena like cell state transitions and evolution. 

• Computational Structural Biology: Computational structural biology establishes biomolecular sequence-structure-function relations using principles of physical sciences. Major research topics include protein folding, protein-DNA interactions and drug design. 

PhD Requirements

Each student will be required to:

• Enroll in CPCB course (CMU 02-701/MSCBIO/CMPBIO 2060) for years 1 and 2 of the program; 
• Attend the Seminar Series (CMU 02-702/MSCBIO/CMPBIO 2010); 
• Take one scientific or medical ethics class; 
• Serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for one term; and 
• Propose a thesis and later produce and defend a dissertation. 

Career Opportunities

Our graduates have pursued careers as data engineers, software engineers, machine learning engineers, professors, CEOs and more. The multidisciplinary nature of the program equips students with the skillset needed to succeed in a variety of fields. Read about a CPCB graduate who is a software engineer at Google and another who is the founder and CEO of an immunobiology company. 

Admissions

The CPCB program welcomes students from various backgrounds, including life sciences, computer sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics or engineering majors. 

Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Apply now.