Clinical Postdoctoral Researcher – Newman Lab

Buck Institute; Novato (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid parental leave

Vacation/sick leave

401(k) with 5% employer match

Job summary

The Buck Institute is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher for the Newman Lab to contribute to the TAKEOFF trial, investigating aging biology and cognitive outcomes in older adults. The role spans from consent to biospecimen processing and multiomic analyses, under physician-scientist mentorship.

Ideal candidates hold an MD/PhD in relevant fields, with strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team.

Qualifications

• Requires MD and/or PhD in epidemiology, clinical research, translational science, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, or related fields.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; able to manage an independent project.
• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills; interest in aging biology and interventions.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the TAKEOFF multicenter randomized controlled trial from consent to biospecimen processing.
• Lead with data analysis and contribute to multiomic data interpretation.
• Collaborate with BUCK Institute teams and clinical research staff.
• Support mentoring and training opportunities within the lab.

Skills

Strong communication

Independent project management

Self-directed learning

Aging research interest

Public outreach/speaking

Data integration

Papers/grants writing

Education

MD/PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Bioinformatics

Job description

100% on-site

Position Summary

The Newman Lab studies how signaling metabolites regulate mechanisms of aging and applies these to solve important clinical problems. We seek a motivated, creative scientist to carry out projects that span biochemistry to multiomics to clinical trials in a vibrant atmosphere with a physician-scientist mentor.

Position Description

We seek a clinical/translational research-focused postdoctoral researcher to participate in the ongoing TAKEOFF multicenter randomized controlled trial (NCT06645847). TAKEOFF, Targeting Aging with a Ketone Ester for Function in Frailty, is testing the translatability to older adults of molecular mechanisms by which ketone bodies modulate aging pathways. The postdoc will participate in day-to-day study activities from consent to biospecimen processing, helping launch a cognition-focused ancillary study, and leading creative efforts to analyze multiomic data and biospecimens. The researcher will work closely with the TAKEOFF team of experienced clinical research associates and research nurses, along with other Clinical Research Core staff. A strong background in clinical research and at least basic bench science experience is preferred, though the position can provide opportunities for training in clinical research for motivated applicants. There is the opportunity for mentored participation in the Gerontological Society of America’s Geroscience Education and Training curriculum. This work is deeply collaborative with other labs at Buck, core facilities, the Newman Lab bench science team, and external clinical research collaborators.

Qualifications
Required

• MD and/or PhD in Epidemiology, Clinical Research, Translational Science, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, or related fields
• Strong communication skills and works well in collaborative teams
• Able to successfully manage an independent research project
• Comfortable with self-directed learning and able to acquire new skill areas
• Deep interest in the science of aging with particular focus on identifying interventions and therapeutics to extend human healthspan
• Public outreach and speaking skills
• Capability to process, curate, and integrate in-house and public domain data from various independent platforms
• Experience in writing scientific papers and grant/fellowship applications

Preferred

• Strong clinical research experience including study design, regulatory approvals, leading participant visits, and managing logistics
• Basic bench laboratory skills such as pipetting, cell counting, working with DNA and RNA
• Background in neuroscience or cognition-focused clinical studies
• Bioinformatics training or prior experience with proteomics analyses
• Spanish language fluency

Compensation, Benefits & Additional Information

• Exciting, collaborative work environment at the forefront of science using state-of-the-art techniques.
• The 2027 salary range for a postdoc at the Buck is $75,920 to $83,822, commensurate with postdoc level & experience.
• Generous benefits package including health insurance, paid parental leave, vacation/sick and 401(k) with 5% employer match.
• This position does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Candidates must reside locally (within reasonable commuting distance) on their first day of work.

About the Buck Institute

Our success will ultimately change healthcare.

At the Buck, we aim to end the threat of age-related diseases for this and future generations by bringing together the most capable and passionate scientists from a broad range of disciplines to identify and impede how we age.

We are an independent, non-profit institution located in Marin County, CA, with the goal of increasing human healthspan, or the healthy years of life.

Globally recognized as the pioneer and leader in efforts to target aging—the number one risk factor for diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes—the Buck seeks to help people live better longer.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background is welcomed, valued, and supported.

Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information, contact John Newman, MD, PhD: [e-mail].