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

buckinstitute; Novato (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Paid time off

401(k) employer contribution

Student debt repayment option

Job summary

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA is seeking a Data Scientist / AI Scientist to advance aging biology through advanced AI, imaging, and quantitative analysis. You will join a multidisciplinary team and help develop computational methods, analyze large imaging datasets, and translate AI methods into biological insights.

Responsibilities include applying computer vision, deep learning, and multimodal models to biological data, collaborating with biology and computational

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in computer science, data science, AI, computational biology, bioengineering, applied mathematics, physics, or related quantitative field.
• Experience in computer vision, image recognition/segmentation, deep learning, generative AI, diffusion models, or multimodal/foundation-model approaches.
• Strong experience developing computational methods and analyzing complex datasets.
• Strong programming and communication skills; ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced AI and machine learning methods to aging biology research questions.
• Design, build, and optimize computational approaches for large-scale image and biological data analysis.
• Build and apply models in CV, image recognition, segmentation, deep learning, generative AI, diffusion models, and multimodal/foundation-models.
• Analyze complex imaging datasets to extract biologically meaningful patterns and insights.
• Collaborate with experimental/computational researchers to integrate AI with biology.
• Contribute to new research directions at the intersection of AI, imaging, and aging biology.

Skills

Computer vision

Image recognition

Deep learning

Generative AI

Diffusion models

Multimodal models

Programming

Communication skills

Education

BS/MS/PhD in computer science or related quantitative field

Tools

Python

Job description

Position Summary

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.

This position is 100% on site.

About the Zhou Lab

Our team is intentionally multidisciplinary, bringing together researchers from biology, biophysics, computer science, AI, and other quantitative fields. We see this cross-disciplinary environment as a significant strength, creating opportunities for shared learning, creative problem-solving, and innovation that would be less likely to emerge within a single field alone.

Candidates from pure computational science backgrounds (with or without prior experience in bioinformatics) are encouraged to apply. Our lab has the experience of training CS background students to work on biological questions, as our dataset is either images or texts. 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.

Recent example of our work:

The Spatiotemporal Proteome Landscape of Aging: Structural determinants of Age-Sensitive Proteome Remodeling (bioRxiv, 2026).

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.

Required Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Compensation & Benefits

• $80,000 to $130,000 depending on skills and experience
• Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401(k) employer contribution, and a student debt repayment option.

About the Buck

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is the first independent biomedical research institute in the United States devoted solely to research on aging. Located in Novato, California, the Buck brings together scientists across multiple disciplines to study the mechanisms of aging and age-related disease, to help people live better, longer.

The Buck Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from candidates whose experiences and perspectives will contribute to the diversity and excellence of our community.