Senior Computational Scientist - Furman Lab
Company: Buck Institute
Location: Novato
Posted on: February 17, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description POSITION DETAILS Salary:
$120,000 - $130,000 Start Date: January 15 – February 1, 2026
Location: Buck Institute for Research on Aging (Novato, CA) –
Hybrid flexibility available Appointment: Full-time Note: This
position is contingent upon the Furman Lab being awarded a large
funded project in February 2026. ABOUT THE FURMAN LAB The Furman
Lab integrates systems biology, causal modeling, and advanced AI/ML
approaches to understand the biological mechanisms underlying
aging, resilience, and physiological decline. Our work integrates
large human cohorts, multi-omics data, and digital health
measurements to identify actionable molecular drivers of healthspan
and develop predictive, translational models. As leaders of Buck
Bioinformatics and Data Science Core, we build analytical standards
and frameworks that support institute-wide and multi-institutional
research collaborations. POSITION OVERVIEW The Senior Computational
Scientist will play a central role in a large funded research
project focused on identifying causal drivers and mechanistic
pathways underlying resilience, aging trajectories, and functional
decline. This individual will design and deploy causal inference
pipelines, longitudinal and multiscale temporal models, and
multimodal data integration approaches connecting omics, clinical
phenotypes, and wearable-derived physiological signals. The role
also includes co-leading the Buck Bioinformatics and Data Science
Core and mentoring 2–3 trainees across aging computational biology,
systems physiology, and statistical methodology. KEY
RESPONSIBILITIES Computational Leadership Lead development of
causal inference frameworks (DAG-based modeling, debiased ML,
identifiability assessments) to characterize mechanistic drivers of
resilience and physiological decline. Build and optimize
state-space, Bayesian, and Kalman filter models for longitudinal,
irregularly sampled, and multiscale physiological and digital
phenotype data. Develop interpretable multimodal models that
integrate omics datasets, biomarker panels, wearable data, and
clinical outcomes. Address confounding, selection bias,
missingness, and temporal heterogeneity using principled
statistical and computational approaches, generating translational
insights to inform intervention prioritization and hypothesis
testing. Core Leadership & Mentorship Co-lead the Buck
Bioinformatics and Data Science Core, helping define analytical
standards, workflows, reproducibility practices, and strategic
priorities. Mentor 2–3 trainees (postdocs, analysts, graduate
students) in computational modeling, systems biology, and
statistical methodology. Promote best practices in documentation,
reproducibility, and causal reasoning across collaborating teams.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate closely with
experimental scientists, clinicians, AI/ML researchers, and
external partners to align modeling approaches with biological and
translational objectives. Communicate findings through
presentations, manuscripts, data-sharing deliverables, and
reporting associated with the federally funded research program.
QUALIFICATIONS Education PhD in Biostatistics, Statistics,
Epidemiology (methods track), Computational Biology, Systems
Biology, or a related quantitative field. Technical Expertise
Strong experience in causal inference, including DAG construction,
confounding structures, selection bias, and identifiability
conditions; familiarity with instrumental variables and
debiased/orthogonal ML frameworks. Experience with longitudinal and
time-series modeling, including state-space or Bayesian approaches,
irregular sampling, and missing data; experience modeling circadian
or physiological rhythms is highly desirable. Experience working
with high-dimensional biological data (e.g., multi-omics, biomarker
discovery) and interpretable biological modeling approaches.
Judicious application of machine learning methods, including latent
variable models, embeddings, and dimensionality reduction, with
demonstrated judgment around when deep learning is appropriate.
Proficiency in R as a primary programming language, with experience
usingpackages such as DoubleML, dagitty, grf, KFAS, bssm, lavaan,
mgcv, survival, ranger, and torch. Experience with reproducible
analytical workflows and version control. Preferred Qualifications
Experience with wearables, digital health, or physiological sensor
data. Background in survival analysis, health-outcome modeling, or
time-to-event frameworks. Experience with single-cell or pseudotime
trajectory analysis. Knowledge of aging biology, geroscience,
systems physiology, or resilience science. Publication record in
high-impact biomedical journals. BENEFITS Comprehensive benefits
package (medical, dental, vision, retirement). Visa sponsorship and
immigration support, if needed. Access to world-class analytical
infrastructure, Buck core facilities, and multi-omics platforms.
Opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in aging,
immunology, and space biosciences. $5000 relocation support TO
APPLY Interested candidates should click the Apply button to
complete the online application. Please upload both your CV and a
document that includes a brief statement of your interests, plus
the names/contact information of 3 references. Powered by JazzHR
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Keywords: Buck Institute, Roseville , Senior Computational Scientist - Furman Lab, Science, Research & Development , Novato, California