The Alaa Lab at the University of California, Berkeley and UCSF is recruiting PhD students for Fall 2027. The multidisciplinary research lab works at the intersection of computational methods, artificial intelligence and healthcare, offering opportunities for students interested in developing computational approaches to health and medical research. Prospective PhD applicants can apply through the Computational Precision Health (CPH) programme, UC Berkeley Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) through the AI-H track, or the Statistics programme. Applicants interested in joining the lab are encouraged to identify Ahmed as one of their preferred advisors and may also complete the lab’s interest form. PhD Research Opportunities Alaa Lab is particularly interested in prospective PhD students with strong computational backgrounds in areas such as computer science and statistics. Previous experience in applied health or medical research is considered an advantage but is not required. The lab operates across multiple disciplines, creating opportunities for students to apply computational techniques to healthcare and medical research. Candidates with clinical backgrounds who are interested in generative AI for specific clinical workflows may also have opportunities to pursue co-advised research with faculty members at UCSF. The lab places particular emphasis on independent thinking and self-motivation. Many of its research projects are student-driven, meaning prospective students should be prepared to develop research questions, explore new ideas and take ownership of their work. How to Apply for Fall 2027 Prospective students can apply through one of three relevant UC Berkeley programmes: Computational Precision Health: Applicants interested in computational approaches to healthcare can apply through the CPH programme. EECS AI-H Track: Students with a strong computer science and artificial intelligence background can apply through UC Berkeley EECS. Statistics: Applicants whose research interests align with statistical methodology can apply through the Statistics programme. Applicants should list Ahmed as one of their preferred advisors where appropriate. The lab receives a high volume of enquiries about PhD admissions and notes that applying through one of the relevant academic programmes is the most reliable way for prospective students to be considered. The lab is also inviting prospective applicants to complete its interest form to express their interest in joining the research group. Who Can Apply? The PhD opportunity is particularly relevant to candidates with strong backgrounds in computer science, statistics, artificial intelligence, computational research or related quantitative disciplines. Previous experience in applied health or medical research is beneficial but is not a mandatory requirement according to the lab’s recruitment information. Applicants from clinical backgrounds who are interested in applying generative AI to specific clinical workflows may also explore opportunities for co-supervision with UCSF faculty. Beyond academic background, the lab seeks students who demonstrate intellectual independence, strong motivation and the ability to develop and pursue research ideas. Opportunities for Current PhD Students Alaa Lab regularly collaborates with PhD students from other laboratories across UC Berkeley EECS and Statistics. Current students in these departments who are interested in conducting healthcare-related research can contact Ahmed to explore potential research collaborations. Students from UCSF or other Berkeley departments are encouraged to approach the lab with a specific research question or potential collaboration idea. This approach allows discussions to begin around a concrete research problem, possible project or area where the student and lab could work together. Postdoctoral Opportunities Alaa Lab also considers applications from final-year PhD students in computer science interested in pursuing postdoctoral research. Prospective postdoctoral researchers should contact Ahmed by email and provide a CV, together with a description of their current research interests and future research vision. The lab generally considers postdoctoral researchers who intend to pursue faculty positions, making the opportunity particularly relevant to researchers planning academic careers. Undergraduate Research Opportunities Undergraduate students at UC Berkeley interested in research can apply through the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) whenever an Alaa Lab project is posted through the programme. The lab generally recruits undergraduate researchers who want to gain research experience before applying to PhD programmes. Students interested in working with the lab outside URAP may also contact Ahmed. Such enquiries should include either a specific research direction the student would like to pursue or an exceptional skill they have developed through an internship, previous research project or another relevant experience. Application and Important Information The Fall 2027 PhD recruitment is currently open for prospective applicants to explore through the relevant UC Berkeley graduate programmes. Applicants should review the official programme admission requirements, deadlines and application procedures before submitting an application. Alaa Lab does not indicate a single lab-specific PhD application deadline because prospective students apply through the relevant university programmes. Candidates should therefore verify the applicable deadline for the programme they intend to enter. Opportunity: Alaa Lab PhD RecruitmentInstitution: University of California, Berkeley / UCSFIntake: Fall 2027Research Areas: AI, computational health, healthcare, statistics and medical researchStudy Level: PhDLocation: Berkeley, California, USAOther Opportunities: Postdoctoral and undergraduate research positionsApplication Route: Computational Precision Health, EECS AI-H Track or Statistics VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.