PhD Positions in Data Science and Health Informatics at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in United States

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is inviting applications for PhD positions in Data Science and Health Informatics, with research opportunities in the Networked Intelligence & Cyber-Embedded Systems Lab (NIcE X Lab) led by Assistant Professor Jingping Nie. The Ph.D. in Data Science, offered by the School of Data Science and Society, is a full-time, residential program designed for students eager to advance artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven discovery. Students will engage in cutting-edge research across domains such as health, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, and humanities, with a curriculum emphasizing mathematics, statistical foundations, programming, and data engineering. The program includes lab rotations, specialization tracks (e.g., Advanced Data Science Foundations, AI Applications in Health Sciences), and professional development through teaching assistantships and optional industry internships. Five years of guaranteed funding are provided, including a $25,000 annual stipend.

The Ph.D. in Health Informatics, part of the Carolina Health Informatics Program, focuses on the intersection of healthcare and technology. Applicants should have a background in healthcare and technical skills; those lacking preparation may need additional coursework. Funding is not guaranteed but applicants are considered for available opportunities. International students must meet English language requirements (TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 7 minimum). Both programs require a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a statement of purpose. GRE scores are optional. The application deadline for Fall 2026 entry is December 16, 2025.

Research in the NIcE X Lab centers on embedded AI, wearable technology, AIoT, and computational systems for personal wellness and pervasive healthcare. Students will have the opportunity to work with leading faculty and contribute to innovative projects at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, and health informatics. For more information, visit the program and lab websites, and contact Prof. Jingping Nie for application details.