Research Programmer I (1 YR- Fixed Term)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Southern California’s Gerontology Bioinformatics Core (GBC), within the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, is hiring a Research Programmer I for a one-year fixed-term position. The GBC develops data-analytic procedures that help translate large datasets into research findings and supports computational research into biological processes in aging. The team uses genomic data from diverse human cohorts to investigate complex traits related to aging-related diseases and longevity and to validate findings from model organisms. The Research Programmer I will provide programming and analytical support for interdisciplinary projects using large-scale human and genomic datasets, including genotype, whole-genome sequencing, DNA methylation, and gene-expression data. The role calculates variables and runs analytical pipelines to support research into human aging and potential therapeutic approaches for aging-related conditions. The programmer will work closely with core leaders and other researchers to develop and implement coding approaches, contribute to ongoing and developing projects, and help prepare research findings for reports, manuscripts, and grant applications. The position offers opportunities to develop advanced skills and participate in projects spanning biological, computational, and genomic sciences. Work is expected during standard in-person operating hours, with a hybrid on-campus and remote schedule available. Weekend work may be needed during emergencies only, and travel is not required. The position is funded by a research contract or grant, is available for one year, and may be renewed subject to progress and available funding. It is non-exempt and requires a cover letter and resume for an application to be considered.

Requirements

Master’s degree, or equivalent combined work experience and education.
At least one year of minimum experience.
Demonstrated creativity and innovation in solving conceptual programming problems.
Competence to work independently on complex programming.
Demonstrated knowledge of programming and/or scripting languages such as R or Python.
Prior experience conducting genomic analyses in human cohorts.
High attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.
Required application materials: cover letter and resume.

Nice To Haves

Master’s 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.
Two or more years of coding experience with R or Python.
Two or more years of experience analyzing human genomics data.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex programming.
Experience with large, complex biological datasets and high-performance computing.
Demonstrated experience analyzing genomic and next-generation sequencing data.
Good communication about technical and non-technical aspects of data analysis, tasks, and timelines; highly organized.
Deep understanding of high-performance computing, high-performance networking, and 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 HPC environments.
Experience supporting computational research in a higher-education or research-institute setting, particularly for data-intensive scientific projects.
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.

Responsibilities

Develop and document robust computational workflows, testing procedures, and production pipelines supporting multi-omics analyses for the Gerontology Bioinformatics Core.
Develop datasets, create tables, perform analyses, and participate in producing publications in collaboration with researchers.
Give online and in-person technical demonstrations.
Develop and run workflows using command-line tools and high-performance computing clusters.
Maintain currency with new technologies and industry knowledge, and continually develop skills, knowledge, and abilities to support continuous improvement.
Contribute to research projects through study design, prototype computational implementations, and preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, and grant proposals.
Solve computational challenges arising from geroscience research and identify opportunities to adapt methods and results to new 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.