Data Scientist / AI Scientist – AI for Aging Research – Zhou lab

Buck Institute • Novato, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking a Data Scientist / AI Scientist to support a research program focused on the fundamental biology of aging through the development and application of advanced artificial intelligence approaches. This role will contribute to efforts that use imaging, quantitative analysis, foundation models, and modern AI to better understand the biological mechanisms of aging and identify new ways to measure, predict, and potentially intervene in those processes. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team that brings together expertise in biology, biophysics, computer science, artificial intelligence, and other quantitative disciplines. This individual will help develop new computational methods, analyze complex imaging datasets, and work closely with experimental and computational researchers to generate insights from large-scale biological data. The Zhou Lab is intentionally multidisciplinary, bringing together researchers from biology, biophysics, computer science, AI, and other quantitative fields, fostering shared learning, creative problem-solving, and innovation. Candidates from pure computational science backgrounds (with or without prior experience in bioinformatics) are encouraged to apply, as the lab has experience training CS background students to work on biological questions, especially with image or text datasets. Prior experience in biological or biomedical imaging is helpful but not required for candidates with strong technical expertise and a genuine interest in applying frontier AI methods to major biological questions.

Requirements

• BS, MS, or PhD in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, computational biology, bioengineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a related quantitative field
• Strong experience in one or more of the following areas: Computer vision, Image recognition and segmentation, Deep learning, Generative AI, Diffusion models, Multimodal or foundation-model approaches
• Demonstrated experience developing computational methods and analyzing complex datasets
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and programming skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research setting
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience with biological, biomedical, or microscopy imaging data
• Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments
• Interest in applying cutting-edge AI approaches to fundamental questions in biology and aging.
• Publication record, open-source contributions, relevant research, project, or code portfolio

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced AI and machine learning methods to research questions in aging biology.
• Design, build, and optimize computational approaches for large-scale image and biological data analysis.
• Build and apply models in areas such as computer vision, image recognition, segmentation, deep learning, generative AI, diffusion models, and multimodal or foundation-model approaches.
• Analyze complex imaging datasets and extract biologically meaningful patterns and insights.
• Collaborate closely with experimental and computational researchers to integrate AI methods with biological research.
• Contribute to the design of new research directions at the intersection of AI, imaging, and aging biology.
• Contribute to a collaborative and intellectually engaged research environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401(k) employer contribution, and a student debt repayment option.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees