USC Behavioral and Health Genomics Center – “Ask Me” Job Postings
Who we are?
We are the world’s leading experts in social science genomics. That is, the genetics underlying
behavioral traits like educational attainment, cognitive ability, depression, neuroticism, and
happiness. Our multidisciplinary research has been published in top journals including Science,
Nature, and Nature Genetics. See https://cesr.usc.edu/cssg and www.thessgac.org for more
details.
What are we up to?
We are looking for passionate people to design and develop the next iteration of our
smartphone and web applications, known as Ask Me, for collecting survey data, playing
games, and linking these to genetic data. These technologies will be transformative in the
worlds of research and industry.
In the world of research, you will make it possible to identify genetic variants related to a wide
range of behavioral and personality traits such as optimism, trust, and risk-taking. Specifically,
you will help us survey new populations and collect information on novel traits, reaching
enormous numbers of app users.
In the world of the personal genomics industry, the app and methods we develop will be
transformative. We will explore the potential for spinning off commercial applications.
We are aiming to have a fully functional, and beautifully designed, suite of apps ready by July
1. The goal is to pilot on roughly 1,000 participants this summer, and quickly scale up to millions
of users.
Whom are we looking for?
We are looking to fill four general roles as part of a small team:
– Usability designer
– iOS app developer
– Android app developer
– Web app developer
With potential exceptions for outstanding candidates, roles will begin as part-time, with the
opportunity to become full-time positions for excellent performance. Priority will be given to
candidates who are able to demonstrate the ability to fill more than one role.
What would my responsibilities be?
For usability designers, we are looking for hard workers to re-think and re-design the layout,
flow, and user experience of Ask Me v1.0. We expect you to work with our developers to
conceive of beautifully designed, intuitive, and interactive experiences for our users, leaving
them wanting to come back to learn more about themselves, their personalities, and their
genetics. Good candidates will have experience in design, proof of their abilities in the form of a
portfolio or some viewable or sharable products, and the willingness to work quickly on an
exciting new project.
For iOS, Android, and web developers, we are looking for hard workers to completely re-
implement Ask Me v1.0 from the ground up. The current version is implemented using iOS’s
HealthKit module. We are looking to completely reboot the iOS version, as well as add Android
and web apps to our repertoire. Good candidates will have extensive programming and app
development experience, great attention to detail, workable products to showcase, and the
willingness to tackle fast-paced development on exciting new products.
How do I apply?
If interested, please email askmeapp.bhg@gmail.com with your resume, an unofficial course
transcript (from your most recent degree), and standardized test scores. Also include a cover
letter with the experiences relevant to the specific skills you believe you are suited to contribute,
links to your relevant prior work, and a brief statement about why you are interested. Any other
information you think relevant is welcome.
Mark Fontana, Postdoc
Dan Benjamin, Director
USC Behavioral and Health Genomics Center
Center for Economic and Social Research
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
