Research Programmer I

at  USC

The Department of Translational Genomics is seeking a motivated full-time Research Programmer I to join Dr. Salhia’s lab. The successful candidate will have general experience in a research laboratory setting with basic knowledge and competency in various key functional areas with an emphasis on experimental design and execution. In addition, the successful applicant must possess and demonstrate a willingness to learn and employ new skill sets that will contribute to the PI’s research program (both technically and intellectually) as they will be expected to contribute to the overall success and growth of the laboratory objectives.
The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal communication skills with a high emphasis on collaboration, meticulous attention to detail, competent at working independently, and the ability to quickly adapt to a wide scope of projects.
Requires a bachelors or masters in biological sciences, bioinformatics, computer science, engineering or mathematics, or a related field or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained. The ideal candidate will have experience recent experience with providing user support in a core/academic setting. Preference will be given to those candidates who have experience in clinical genomics and biomarker discovery utilizing next-generation sequencing data. The knowledge of working within a Linux-based environment, least one scripting language (Javascript, Python, or Ruby) and of at least one environment for high-dimensional data analysis (SAS, R/Bioconductor, or Matlab) is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in molecular biology, genetics or similar field, strong laboratory experience and bioinformatics expertise are encouraged to apply.
• An in-depth and practical knowledge of bio-statistics and the ability to work with a variety of different biological data types.
• Have previously worked with NGS data, including RNA-seq and ChIP-seq.
• Experience working within a Linux-based environment and working with high-performance computing and cloud-based analysis platforms.
• Strong computer skills on the analysis of genomic data using bioinformatics, in addition to working knowledge of sequencing technologies is required.
• Proficiency in Python, postgreSQL and R. Programming experience with two scripting languages, either Python, Perl or Ruby, and standard algorithms - data structures.
• Experience working with genomics or epigenomics data from patient samples, mouse models or cancer cell lines.
• Familiarity with relational database systems and writing SQL queries for data management/storage retrieval.
• Prior experience working in a molecular laboratory.
• Bachelor’s degree in a molecular biology-related field.
• Experience with high throughput molecular biology techniques.
• Prior experience in Bioinformatics strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of basic laboratory equipment and protocols.
• Provides general laboratory assistance to support research activities.
• Conducts research experiments in accordance with laboratory and safety protocols.

The hourly rate range for this position is $43.00 - $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.
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

Please refer the Job description for details