Programmer Analyst I

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 5,035,000 - 5,658,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) at the University of Southern California is seeking a Programmer Analyst I to join our dynamic team. This grant-funded, one-year fixed-term, hybrid position focuses on developing, testing, and documenting code and collaborating with researchers.

The role emphasizes data harmonization, variable design, and producing documentation for publications while partnering with internal and external staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience.
• Strong data management and programming abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, debug, and document code for harmonization projects.
• Create test data and routines; ensure thorough testing prior to release.
• Design analysis variables to answer research questions.
• Prepare documentation for harmonized codebooks per standards.
• Develop datasets, generate tables, and contribute to publications.
• Represent the Gateway to Global Aging Data at conferences.
• Deliver online and in-person technical presentations and demos.

Skills

Data management

Programming

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Stata

SAS

R

Job description

The Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) at the University of Southern California is seeking a Programmer Analyst I to join our dynamic team. We are looking for a skilled and motivated individual who can contribute to projects within the Program on Global Aging, Health, and Policy (Global Aging Program).

The primary responsibilities of this position include writing, modifying, and adapting software applications using standard procedures and techniques. Performs limited analysis under direct supervision of more experienced programming staff. The position also includes the responsibility of constructing documentation of programming decisions and output to be communicated with the research public. The role also includes identifying the comparability of survey items across multiple years of a survey and between different surveys, and constructing documentation of this comparability. The position also involves close collaboration with internal and external programmers and researchers.

This is a grant funded, one year (renewable) fixed term position and hybrid work arrangement.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop, test, debug, and document code for new harmonization projects.
• Develop test data and routines required to test and revise application(s). Ensures application(s) is thoroughly tested before release and prepares reports of the test results.
• Designs analysis variables to answer research questions and communicates findings back to research teams.
• Prepare extensive documentation for harmonized codebooks in accordance with internal and external standards.
• Develop datasets, create tables, perform analyses, and otherwise participate in the production of publications in collaboration with researchers.
• Attend conferences as a representative of the Gateway to Global Aging Data.
• Give online and in-person technical presentations and demonstrations highlighting the Gateway to Global Aging Data.

Successful candidates for this position will have demonstrated data management and programming skills. The role demands the ability to produce careful and detail-oriented work, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. You will be part of a team of dedicated professionals in a dynamic and supportive environment that values innovation and scientific excellence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Economics, or related field.
• Strong organizational and communication.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of technical competency with Stata, SAS, or R.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree

Compensation:

The hourly rate range for this position is $36.55 - $41.07 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.

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 develops evidence-based solutions to address the nation's most pressing policy issues. It serves as a policy laboratory to develop and test ideas generated by the USC academic community, foster civic engagement, and provides a forum to reach federal policymakers.

Established by an historic gift from Leonard D. Schaeffer in 2024, it houses three flagship programs: the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, the Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service, and the Center for Civic Society. Schaeffer experts have testified before numerous Congressional committees and are regularly sought out by media outlets-including the New York Times, NPR, Stat, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post-to provide insight on policy issues.

The Schaeffer Institute is home to more th