Research Scientist – Foundational AI Models for BioImage Processing & Analysis (Biohub SF)

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco (CZ Biohub SF) (https://www.czbiohub.org/sf/) is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together three powerhouse universities - Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine. CZ Biohub SF itself supports some of the brightest, boldest engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to investigate the fundamental mechanisms underlying disease and develop new technologies that will lead to actionable diagnostics and effective therapies. We are guided by our values of scholarly excellence; disruptive innovation; hands-on engineering/hacking/building; partnership and collaboration; open communication and respect; inclusiveness; and opportunity for all.

Our Vision

• We pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
• We enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
• The technologies developed at CZ Biohub San Francisco facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives are at the heart of CZ Biohub Network and enable disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all colleagues feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Research Scientist who will contribute to the development of foundational AI models for BioImage analysis, joining a team dedicated to advancing imaging techniques through cutting-edge AI research. This role is ideal for an AI expert with a strong background in machine learning and computer vision who is eager to create versatile, robust models that drive meaningful insights in BioImage analysis. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in designing, training, and deploying adaptable AI models that can be utilized across various bioimaging applications.

As a key member of our team, you will report directly to Dr. Loïc A. Royer, Director of Imaging AI, and collaborate closely with experts across multiple domains to optimize AI-driven image processing and analysis. You will have access to one of the largest AI clusters used for non-profit research (1000x H100).

You will

• Design, develop, and implement foundational AI models tailored to BioImage analysis
• Create and train versatile models capable of adapting to diverse imaging applications, including classification, segmentation, tracking, and phenotype analysis
• Collaborate closely with biologists, computational scientists, and engineers to understand domain-specific challenges and optimize model performance
• Manage large-scale imaging datasets and build efficient data pipelines for model training and evaluation
• Lead innovative research and contribute to top-tier publications and conference presentations
• Mentor junior scientists and foster a collaborative, continuous-learning environment

You have

Essential –

• Recent (< 2 years) PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or Physics
• 3+ years of experience with Python and relevant deep learning libraries (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow)
• 3+ years of experience in designing and training large-scale deep learning models for image analysis or similar applications
• Proven expertise in computer vision, deep learning, and model training techniques
• Strong track record of impactful publications and conference presentations
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• Strong professional judgment and adaptability to various scientific challenges
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice to have -

• Experience with large-scale image data processing and management
• Familiarity with bioimaging and relevant tools for biological image processing
• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments and cloud-based AI platforms
• Strong leadership and project management skills

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network requires all employees, regardless of work location or type of role, to provide proof of their initial COVID-19 vaccination by their start date. Those who are unable to get vaccinated because of a disability, or who choose not to be vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance must have an approved exception prior to their start date.

Compensation

• Research Scientist I = $131,000 - $180,400
• Research Scientist II = $150,000 - $205,700

New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. To determine starting pay, we consider multiple job-related factors including a candidate’s skills, education and experience, market demand, business needs, and internal parity. We may also adjust this range in the future based on market data. Your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range during the hiring process.

What We Provide

• Resources to disrupt and innovate at the frontiers of our knowledge of biology and disease
• A collegial and collaborative environment consisting of diverse expertise
• Existing collaborations within CZ Biohub: Technology Platforms (Bioengineering, Computational Microscopy, Data Science, Genomic Sequencing, Mass Spectrometry/Proteomics), and Research Group Leaders
• Access to collaborators, resources and facilities at our three partner universities (Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco) and at partner organizations in the Bay Area and beyond
• Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with experience

Benefits

We offer a robust benefits program that enables the important work Biohubbers do everyday. Our benefits include healthcare coverage, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, family planning services with fertility care, childcare stipend, 401(k) match, flexible time off and a generous parental leave policy. In addition, we honor our commitment to career development and our value of scholarly excellence through regular onsite opportunities to learn from the world's leading scientists.

The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity of thought, ideas and perspectives. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all Biohubbers feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. The CZ Biohub Network does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. The CZ Biohub Network will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with the CZ Biohub Network.