Research Programmer I (1 YR- Fixed Term)

About the role

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.

The GBC Research Programmer I will provide programming and analytical support for interdisciplinary projects that use large scale human datasets and genomics data, which includes genotype, whole genome sequencing, DNA methylation, and gene expression data.

The key role of the individual in this position will be to calculate variables and run analytical pipelines that will be used to answer research questions that are instrumental for 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 leaders to develop and implement coding approaches. Demonstrated knowledge of programming and/or scripting languages (i.e., R, python) is required for this position.

The ideal candidate will be a person who has demonstrated skills in human genomics data analysis (e.g., GWAS, EWAS, TWAS, differential gene expression), using high performance computing clusters, managing large data files, documenting methods used for analytical procedures, applying statistical methods for working with repeated measures data, particularly from large-scale, population-based datasets.

High attention-to-detail, good organization and communication skills are essential. A requirement for this job is prior experience with genomic analyses in human cohorts.

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.

The GBC fosters a work environment that is inclusive as well as diverse, where ideas and perspectives are valued. We are building a team where individuals can thrive, contribute to cutting-edge research related to health with aging, and collaboratively elevate translational science.

Job responsibilities will include but are not limited to

• Develop and document robust computational workflows, testing procedures, and production pipelines that support multi-omics analyses to support the Gerontology Bioinformatics Core.
• Develop datasets, create tables, perform analyses, and otherwise participate in the production of publications in collaboration with other researchers.
• Give online and in-person technical demonstrations
• Develop and run workflows using command line and high-performance computing clusters
• Supports continuous improvements by maintaining currency with new technologies and leveraging the latest industry knowledge to continually develop skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• Participate in research projects by contributing to study design, developing prototype computational implementations, and supporting the preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, and grant proposals.
• Utilize creativity and innovation to solve complex computational challenges arising from cutting-edge geroscience research, and identify opportunities to adapt methods and results to novel scientific applications and future research directions.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive research environment consistent with USC's Code of Ethics.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Preferred 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.
• 2 or more years of experience coding with R or python
• 2 or more years of experience analyzing human genomics data
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex programming.
• Experience using large, complex biological datasets
• Experience with high-performance computing.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing genomic and next generation sequencing data.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
• Good communication on technical and non-technical aspects of data analysis, tasks, and timelines.
• Highly organized.

Highly Preferred Qualifications include the required qualifications listed above and additionally:

• Deep understanding of HPC, high-performance networking, cloud computing,
• Experience with large-scale, population-based datasets.
• Advanced expertise in Linux/Unix systems and experience building, deploying, and maintaining open-source software in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Experience supporting computational research in a higher education or research institute setting, particularly for data-intensive scientific projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the research process, including proposal development, data lifecycle management, reproducible workflows, and compliance with federal and sponsor regulations for data safety and security.

Pay and benefits

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 Experience: 1 year

Minimum Field of Expertise: Demonstrated creativity and innovation in solving conceptual programming problems. Competent to work independently on complex programming.

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Additional information

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