Data Analyst/Research Associate - Furman lab

$50,000 - $67,000/Yr

Buck Institute - Novato, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Novato, CA

About the position

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking a full-time Data Analyst/Research Associate (RA) to join our innovative team focused on building a Large Language Model (LLM) aimed at analyzing biomarkers of aging and disease, particularly those involved in celiac conversion. This position is integral to our mission of understanding the biological mechanisms of aging and developing predictive models that can inform future research and therapeutic strategies. The RA will play a crucial role in accessing, curating, analyzing, and visualizing data from various public databases, including the Gene-Tissue Expression portal (GTEx). The successful candidate will be involved in developing machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to predict senescence burden, contributing to groundbreaking research in the field of aging. In this role, the RA will be responsible for analyzing and curating data related to senescence, coordinating with team members to identify and utilize additional public data repositories. The position requires the development of deep learning and machine learning models to predict senescence burden, as well as performing comprehensive data analysis as part of the Bioinformatics Core. This includes conducting omics analyses (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), applying statistical methods, and utilizing classification techniques such as random forests and support vector machines. The RA will also engage in biological aging calculations, candidate gene studies, enrichment analysis, and drug repurposing efforts, all while collaborating closely with research scientists and principal investigators. The role also involves writing journal articles, creating figures for publications, and participating in conferences to disseminate research findings. The Buck Institute is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment, where the RA will have the opportunity to contribute to significant advancements in the understanding of aging and its associated diseases.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and curate data related to senescence and develop models of senescence burden.
• Coordinate with the team to curate available data and identify additional public data repositories of interest.
• Develop deep learning and machine learning models to predict senescence burden.
• Perform data analysis as part of the Bioinformatics Core including omics analysis (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
• Conduct simple/multiple linear regression and parametric/non-parametric statistics.
• Utilize classification methods such as random forest and SVM.
• Implement neural networks and computer vision techniques for feature extraction.
• Perform biological aging calculations (Omics Clocks) and candidate gene studies.
• Conduct GWAS and enrichment analysis, as well as dimensionality reduction and drug repurposing.
• Engage in integrative multi-omics analysis.
• Collaborate with staff members, research scientists, and principal investigators.
• Write journal articles and create figures for publications.
• Participate in conferences to present research findings.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Biology, or related field.
• 2+ years of professional experience in a relevant field.
• Comfortable and proficient on the Linux command line.
• Experienced in one or more programming languages, preferably R, Python, or C.
• Experience in Deep Learning and Machine Learning.
• Outstanding analytical, mathematical, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent listening, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Logical and efficient, with keen attention to detail.
• Highly self-motivated and directed; works well independently and as a team.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with biological data sets.
• Experience implementing machine learning algorithms.

Benefits

• 401(k) with a 5% employer match
• Health insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Generous benefits package