Research Programmer - Health Research (Fixed- Term)

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. USC is consistently ranked among the nation’s most prestigious universities, and the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology features one of the world’s best degree and research programs in gerontology. The USC Davis School has an international reputation as a hub of aging research and, with additional strong programs throughout the university leads the way in defining and advancing the field of gerontology.

A 1-year Fixed Term Research Programmer I, Health Research position is available at the University of Southern California through the Bioinformatics Core in the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

The mission of the Gerontology Bioinformatics Core (GBC) is to facilitate the development of data analytic procedures to enable the translation of big data into research findings. The GBC supports researchers in their application of computational approaches to study biological processes in aging.  In particular, we have a strong focus in using genomic data derived from diverse human cohorts to validate findings in model organisms to better understand the architecture of complex traits related to aging-related diseases and longevity. For more information about the GBC (https://gero.usc.edu/bioinformatics-core/) or the Davis School of Gerontology (https://gero.usc.edu), click on the included links.

The GBC is seeking a Research Programmer I to provide programming and analytical support for interdisciplinary projects that use large scale human datasets and genomics data. The key role of the individual in this position will be to calculate variables that will be used to answer research questions that will be instrumental in accelerating the pace of translational genomics relevant to human aging and for the development of therapeutic approaches for aging-related conditions.  The programmer will be an integral part of the research team and work closely with the core director to develop and implement coding approaches. Demonstrated knowledge of programming and/or scripting languages (i.e., R, SAS, STATA, python) is required for this position. The ideal candidate will be a person who has demonstrated skills in data analysis, particularly with large, longitudinal population-based datasets with race/ethnic diversity and/or omics data. The individual will also manage large data files, document methods used in analysis, and apply statistical methods as required for working with repeated measures data.

The position provides opportunities to gain advanced skills; be involved in innovative projects that span biological, computational, and genomic sciences; participate in project development, and reporting on findings via grant applications and manuscripts. The individual will be involved in ongoing and developing research projects within the GBC and will be encouraged to further their own skills and training on efficient methods for examining genetic variation data, or understanding genetic architecture of aging-related diseases. Opportunities are available to analyze large-scale genotyping and next-generation sequencing data in multiple population-based human cohorts.

Required qualifications:

• MA/MS degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, quantitative social science, molecular genetics, or a related field and experience using statistical genetics, translational genomics, or bioinformatics approaches for data analysis.
• 1 or more years of experience coding with SAS, R, or STATA
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex programming.
• Experience with large, population datasets.
• Good communication on technical and non-technical aspects of data analysis, tasks, and timelines

Preferred qualifications:

• 3 or more years of experience coding with SAS, R, or STATA
• Experience using UNIX- or Linux based environments and high-performance computing.

• Experience analyzing human genomic data.

This is a non-exempt position with work expected to be standard in-person hours of operations, with the potential for weekend work during emergencies only. No travel will be required. Benefits include a competitive salary, and a rich array of USC benefits including healthcare (including dental and vision), 403(b), tuition reimbursement, national holidays, paid vacation, and more.

This position is funded by a research contract/grant and may be funded by a subsequent contract/grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent contract/grant to continue employment.

The position is available for one year and renewable contingent on successful progress and available funding. This position will have the ability to work a Hybrid (on campus and remote) work schedule.

The hourly rate range for this position is $38.98-$43.53. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: In order for your application to be considered, a cover letter and resume must be attached.

Minimum Education: Master's degree Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Demonstrated creativity and innovation in solving conceptual programming problems. Competent to work independently on complex programming.