Research Programmer I

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About the role

The Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) is seeking a Research Programmer I to assist in the development and maintenance of the 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 (renewable) fixed-term position with a hybrid work arrangement.

The Research Programmer I will provide programming support for research projects using Python back-end frameworks (Flask, Django, FastAPI), front-end technologies (React, Next.js), visualization tools (Highcharts), and relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL). The role involves designing and implementing scalable data access, management, and visualization systems to support complex, large-scale research initiatives. Software solutions are frequently developed from the ground up to meet evolving research needs.

The programmer is an integral member of the CESR team and collaborates closely with IT staff and a multidisciplinary research team.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable data access, management, and visualization systems for large-scale research initiatives.
• Develop full-stack web applications using Python back-end frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask, FastAPI) and modern front-end libraries (e.g., React, Next.js).
• Work with relational databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team to build software solutions from the ground up.
• Utilize Git and GitHub for collaborative development.

Requirements

• Master’s degree 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.

Skills

• Python (Django, Flask, FastAPI)
• TypeScript/JavaScript (React, Next.js)
• Relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
• Data visualization (Highcharts)
• Git/GitHub

Pay

The hourly rate range for this position is $46.34 - $51.29. USC considers factors such as scope and responsibilities, candidate experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, and external market conditions when extending an offer.

About 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 decisions. CESR’s research deepens the understanding of human behavior in economic and social contexts, with the ultimate goal of improving social welfare by informing public and private sector decision-making. CESR leads innovation in how social science and economic research is conducted through the use of technology.

About the USC Schaeffer Institute

The USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy and Government Service was established in 2024 with a mission to develop public leaders, support civic engagement, amplify USC scholarship, and offer evidence-based policy solutions to national challenges.

About the Sol Price School of Public Policy

The USC Sol Price School of Public Policy is ranked among the nation’s foremost schools of public policy. Founded in 1929, the school integrates classroom instruction with real-world experience, offering programs in Public Policy and Management, Health Policy and Management, Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis, and Real Estate Development. The school is home to several research centers, including the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics and the Bedrosian Center on Governance and the Public Enterprise.