A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Clinical Research Informatics is an advanced degree program that combines three fields of study: systems biology, bioinformatics, and clinical research informatics. The program typically involves extensive coursework, original research, and the completion of a dissertation.
Systems biology is the study of biological systems at a comprehensive level, including their underlying molecular mechanisms, interactions, and networks. Bioinformatics, on the other hand, is the application of computer science, statistics, and mathematics to the analysis and interpretation of biological data. Clinical research informatics involves the use of informatics tools and methods to facilitate the collection, management, and analysis of clinical data.
As a PhD student in this program, you would learn to use a range of computational and statistical methods to analyze large datasets of biological and clinical data. You would also gain expertise in experimental techniques used to generate such data, including high-throughput sequencing, microarray analysis, and mass spectrometry.
Potential career paths for graduates of this program include academic research, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and healthcare organizations. Graduates may work as data scientists, research scientists, bioinformaticians, or other roles that involve the integration of biological and clinical data.
Stream | Doctor of Philosophy |
Course | PhD in Biology and Bioinformatics Clinical Research Informatics |
Full Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Biology and Bioinformatics Clinical Research Informatics |
Eligibility Criteria | Master in relevant Subject with 55 % marks |
Duration | 3 Years |
Fees | Notified Soon |
Type | Degree |
Mode | Year |
Entrance exams may vary depending on the institution offering the PhD program.
Typically, a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score is required, and some programs may also require subject-specific tests, such as the GRE subject test in biology or biochemistry.
Admission to a PhD program in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Clinical Research Informatics is highly competitive and usually requires a strong academic record, including a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, and research experience.
Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the institution offering the program, but typically include a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field such as biology, biochemistry, or computer science, as well as a minimum GPA requirement.
Relevant research or work experience is also highly valued.
The duration of a PhD program in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Clinical Research Informatics typically ranges from 4-6 years, depending on the institution and the research project. |
Selection criteria for PhD programs in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Clinical Research Informatics typically include academic record, research experience and interests, letters of recommendation, entrance exam scores, and a personal statement or statement of purpose.
Prospective students should visit the websites of institutions offering the program for information on the application process.
Typically, students will be required to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume or CV, and entrance exam scores.
Some programs may also require an interview.
The application form for a PhD program in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Clinical Research Informatics can usually be found on the website of the institution offering the program.
Applicants should carefully review the application requirements and deadlines, and provide all required materials promptly.
The application process for a PhD in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Clinical Research Informatics program typically involves the following steps:
Research: Research institutions that offer this program and review their admission requirements, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.
Prepare application materials: Prepare all required application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement or statement of purpose, and entrance exam scores.
Apply: Submit your application through the institution's online application portal or via mail, following the specified instructions.
Interview: Some programs may require an interview as part of the application process.
Clinical Research Informatics Scientist: Graduates can work as clinical research informatics scientists in academic institutions, research hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or biotechnology firms. They utilize their expertise in biology, bioinformatics, and data analysis to design and implement informatics solutions for managing and analyzing clinical research data, facilitating translational research, and advancing biomedical discoveries.
Bioinformatics Analyst: PhD holders in Biology and Bioinformatics with a specialization in Clinical Research Informatics can work as bioinformatics analysts in research laboratories, healthcare organizations, or biotech companies. They analyze biological and clinical data sets using bioinformatics tools and techniques, identify biomarkers, characterize disease pathways, and contribute to research projects aimed at understanding the molecular basis of diseases and developing targeted therapies.
Clinical Data Manager: Graduates may pursue careers as clinical data managers in clinical research organizations, contract research organizations (CROs), or pharmaceutical companies. They oversee the collection, management, and analysis of clinical trial data, ensuring data quality, compliance with regulatory standards, and adherence to study protocols. Clinical data managers play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and reliability of clinical research data.
Biomedical Informatics Specialist: PhD graduates can work as biomedical informatics specialists in healthcare institutions, academic medical centers, or public health agencies. They develop informatics solutions to improve patient care, clinical decision-making, and healthcare outcomes by integrating biological, clinical, and genomic data. Biomedical informatics specialists may also contribute to research projects aimed at personalized medicine and precision healthcare.
Research Scientist: Some graduates may pursue research scientist positions in academic or industry settings, focusing on translational research in areas such as cancer biology, genetics, infectious diseases, or neurodegenerative disorders. They conduct interdisciplinary research that combines biological experimentation, bioinformatics analysis, and clinical data interpretation to address fundamental questions in biology and develop novel therapeutic approaches.
Healthcare IT Consultant: Graduates can work as consultants for healthcare IT companies, advising on the development and implementation of informatics solutions for healthcare providers, clinical laboratories, and research institutions. They assess client needs, design customized informatics platforms, and provide training and support to optimize the use of bioinformatics tools and electronic health record systems.
Academic Faculty/Researcher: PhD holders may pursue academic careers as faculty members or researchers in universities or medical schools. They teach courses in bioinformatics, clinical research informatics, or related fields, mentor graduate students, and conduct independent research to advance knowledge in biomedical informatics, genomics, computational biology, or translational medicine.
Entrepreneur: Some graduates may choose to start their own bioinformatics consulting firms, software companies, or biotech startups, developing innovative informatics solutions, bioinformatics tools, or computational algorithms for analyzing clinical and biological data. They may collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to commercialize novel technologies and bring them to market.
Some of the top colleges in India offering a PhD in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Clinical Research Informatics program include:
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi |
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore |
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai |
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad |
Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi |
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.