Data Scientist / AI Scientist AI for Aging Research Zhou lab

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.

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.

To Apply
Please submit:

• a curriculum vitae or resume,
• a brief statement of interest, and
• any relevant publications, projects, or code.