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The Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) is seeking a Research Programmer I to assist in the development and maintenance of our web platform for population survey data on aging around the world, Gateway to Global Aging Data. This is a full-time, grant funded, one year fixed-term position and hybrid work arrangement.

The Research Programmer I will provide programming support for research projects using Python back-end frameworks such as Flask, Django, and FastAPI; front-end technologies including React and Next.js; visualization tools such as Highcharts; and relational databases including MySQL and PostgreSQL. The programmer is an integral member of the CESR team and works closely with IT staff and a multidisciplinary research team. The primary responsibility of this role is to design and implement scalable data access, management, and visualization systems that support complex, large-scale research initiatives. Software solutions are frequently developed from the ground up to meet evolving research needs.

Required Qualifications:

MS in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field
Strong programming experience in TypeScript/JavaScript and Python
5 years of experience with modern front-end libraries such as React
3 years of experience with Python web frameworks such as Django, Flask, or FastAPI
Experience working with relational databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL
Proficiency with Git and GitHub in collaborative development
Ability to work independently on complex programming tasks
Strong problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

5+ years of experience building full-stack web applications using Django and Next.js
Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS
Experience working with large databases and survey data

Minimum Education:

Master's degree

Minimum Experience:

3 years of relevant work experience

Compensation

The hourly rate range for this position is $46.34 - $51.29. 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

Cover letter Resume/CV

About the Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR)

The Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) is a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to discovering how people around the globe live, think, interact, age, invest, and make important, life-changing decisions. Our in-depth research and analysis are deepening the understanding of human behavior in a wide range of economic and social contexts. Our ultimate goal: to improve social welfare by informing and influencing decision-making in the public and private sectors. Along the way, we are leading a creative revolution in how scientists conduct social science and economic research through the use of innovative technology.

About the USC Schaeffer Institute

The USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy and Government Service was established by an historic gift from USC Trustee Leonard D. Schaeffer in 2024. Its mission is to develop and promote strong public leaders; support civic engagement; amplify the reach and impact of USC scholarship, and offer evidence-based policy solutions to the nation’s most pressing political, social, and economic challenges.

About the Sol Price School of Public Policy

Ranked among the foremost schools of public policy in the nation, the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy generates uncommon knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1929, the Price School is anchored by four departments: Public Policy and Management, Health Policy and Management, Wilbur H. Smith III Department of Estate Development; and Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis. Rigorous academic programs provide students with the knowledge and distinctive opportunities to make meaningful contributions to their professions. Integrating classroom instruction with real-world experience and led by some of the world’s most renowned faculty in their fields, our students establish a clear pathway to successful careers.

The academic programs are augmented by several highly visible research centers and institutes that provide additional research expertise and experiences. Notable among them are: The Judith and John Bedrosian Center on Governance and the Public; The Center for Philanthropy and Public Policy; The USC Lusk Center for Real Estate; The METRANS Transportation Consortium; The Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics; and The Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy.

Together, these departments and research enterprises provide unmatched breadth and depth to tackle an enormous range of challenges facing our country and the world. Price graduates hold leadership positions across diverse sectors – public, private, and nonprofit – championing the advancement of the common good. They come from around the world and from a variety of cultures and socio-economic backgrounds to create a rich intellectual environment that celebrates, supports and benefits from diverse people and opinions.

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

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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Research Programmer I

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