Data Scientist / AI Scientist – AI for Aging Research – Zhou lab
Novato Full-time Mid-level AI Research
At a glance
Mid-level AI Research role at Buck Institute. Novato · full-time · $80,000–$130,000 base.
SalaryStated by Buck Institute
$80,000 – $130,000
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
RoleAI Research
SeniorityMid-level
LocationNovato
EmploymentFull-time
Base pay$80,000–$130,000
Role brief
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Develop AI and machine-learning methods to investigate questions about the biology of aging
- Build and refine computational workflows for analyzing large collections of images and other biological data
- Use approaches such as segmentation, generative AI, diffusion models, and foundation models to analyze research data
- Find biologically meaningful patterns in imaging data and work with experimental and computational researchers to interpret them
- Help shape research directions combining AI, imaging, and aging biology
What you bring
- A degree in a quantitative field such as computer science, data science, AI, computational biology, bioengineering, mathematics, or physics
- Strong capability in at least one listed area, including computer vision, image segmentation, deep learning, generative AI, or foundation models
- Hands-on experience creating computational methods and analyzing complex datasets, with strong quantitative and programming skills
Who this fits
This role suits a technically strong researcher interested in applying AI to biological questions; prior biological imaging experience is helpful, but candidates from computational backgrounds are encouraged. The position is entirely on site in Novato.
From the employer
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
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.
To Apply
Please submit:
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.
- 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
- 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
- $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.
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.
To Apply
Please submit:
- a curriculum vitae or resume,
- a brief statement of interest, and
- any relevant publications, projects, or code.