CECS Newsletter 6 for AY 2010/11

April 19 2011

by Dr. Alvaro Monge

The deadline for applications to the Summer University @ The Beach is approaching. Students should apply by April 29th.

The program is free to CSULB students and open to undergraduates and graduates. Students can also earn credit towards an elective in their degree program. If you have any questions, please visit the website and contact Dr. Alvaro Monge via e-mail.

There are two CECS classes offered this Summer 2011: CECS 100 and CECS 274. Students who want to take either of these need to register immediately. The classes will be kept in the schedule only if there is sufficient enrollment to make the class economically viable for the department and college.

There are full CECS classes already (CECS 424, 445, and 491 as of the writing of this newsletter). Undergraduate students wishing to register in a full class must visit your advisor who will determine whether the full class is one that you must have in Fall 2011 in order to graduate. If so, then you will be approved for a permit. Otherwise you will need to find a different class in which to enroll. Students should act on this quickly in order to determine their class schedule.

If you have any problems enrolling in classes due to not satisfying prerequisites, although you believe you have satisfied the prerequisites, please contact your advisor. For example, some of you may have problems enrolling in CECS 228 because the system is looking specifically for certain math courses and you have not taken them; if you've completed the equivalent of MATH 122 then you do meet the prerequisites. When you visit with your advisor, be sure to have with you the specific section that you want to add.

If you have problems enrolling in classes in other departments (e.g. some of you have problems enrolling in PHYS 152), please contact the corresponding department.

As announced in CECS Newletter #5, you can still apply for the ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Scholarship Program.

CSULB students will find a Web Developer position opened in the College of Engineering. Full details are provided via the Beach Link Jobs service available via the Career Development Center.

Acumen LLC and its affiliated non-profit firm The SPHERE Institute were established by scholars from Stanford University in 1996 to conduct public policy research on health and social service programs at the national, state, and local levels. We are growing rapidly and are seeking entry level and experienced Quantitative Research Analyst - Statistical Programmers to support our research in health policy.

The majority of our current projects are in the areas of Medicare and Medicaid policy, with a particular focus on Medicare Part D and the quality of care and safety. Some of our current clients include:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• U.S. Department of Justice
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Congressional Budget Office
• State of California Department of Health Services

As a result of our numerous federal and state government contracts, we have access to an extensive amount of healthcare data. A small sampling of our current work includes:

• Using claims data to perform post-market surveillance of drugs and biologics
• Analyzing Medicare Part D claims data to assess variation in drug prices and utilization
• Evaluating Pay for Performance in Medicare
• Understanding the implications of Medicare payment policies
• Creating research files that link with multiple survey data sources

Acumen/SPHERE offers candidates the unique opportunity to develop and apply software development skills to further the goals of social and health policy research.

Acumen/SPHERE is fast paced and rapidly expanding with a casual work environment. We are in the unique situation of being a small organization with large clients, requiring all members to work on a diversity of projects and platforms. We are seeking highly motivated candidates to join our team. We offer full time salary positions with benefits, and flexible hours.

Acumen is a meritocracy where the level of responsibility and potential for advancement are commensurate to one's demonstrated abilities and initiative; there is no bureaucracy or rigid job definitions to impede professional development. Junior and Senior Quantitative Research Analysts - Statistical Programmers typically:

• Conduct econometric and statistical analyses of data using statistical software such as SAS and STATA
• Develop research files from large confidential datasets, such as health care claims, enrollment data, and inhouse surveys
• Interact with project officers and other government agency representatives and clients to access data and program information, determine analytical strategy and present findings
• Work with senior researchers on analysis and evaluation

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS in economics, statistics, math, public policy or related field
• Statistical or computer programming knowledge
• Experience in quantitative analysis and proven analytical ability
• Enthusiasm for learning

This is a full time position, with salary based on experience and/or education. Benefits provided. To apply, please visit our Acumen LLC Jobs website. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

We are looking for programmers who are adept at developing creative algorithms and efficient code to handle large amounts (petabytes) of healthcare data. These programmers will help create and maintain the infrastructure necessary to support our quantitative analyses in the areas of healthcare fraud, post-market drug surveillance, evaluation of medical pay for performance programs, and drug pricing and utilization. Junior and senior programmers typically utilize .NET, MS SQL, and SAS environments to:

• Devise complex algorithms to identify, de-identify, and/or link data elements
• Develop large scale data management applications to efficiently query and analyze data
• Design and develop encrypted web applications to process and present confidential information

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS in computer science, software engineering, computational mathematics or related field
• Extensive academic and/or professional programming experience
• Knowledge of SQL required, MS SQL Server preferred
• Experience with .NET Framework preferred
• Interest in health and social policy and an enthusiasm for learning

This is a full time position, with salary based on experience and/or education. Benefits provided. To apply, please visit our Acumen LLC Jobs website. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin

This position will develop systems for research and analysis to support both in house and client needs. All software developers will be expected to:

• Design and develop web applications to process and present information.
• Develop and maintain software used to collect and analyze information for a variety of projects.
• Develop and extend data systems supporting the operation of large-scale data center and project management activities.
• Work with government agencies and other organizations to access data and program information.
• Perform other responsibilities as required.

Programmers generally work in project teams, but may take lead responsibility for specific projects. With an appropriate background, programmer roles may expand into policy, data analysis, or system administration tasks if desired. Qualifications

• Fast learner with desire to excel
• BA/BS required. Computer Science / Engineering degree preferred, but others are suitable with appropriate experience
• Demonstrated experience in software design and development
• Solid understanding of web / internet / networking technologies
• Experience with .NET Framework required
• Experience with COM, ASP.NET desired
• Familiarity with MS SQL Server
• Interest in health and social policy research

This is not a contract position, and we are not interested in QA testers. To apply, please visit our Acumen LLC Jobs website. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Rhythm & Hues has multiple positions available.

Work with the Pipeline group to architect and develop production tools and supporting modules in a Python and Perl scripting language environment. Projects include studio-wide and production-specific tool development, as well as continued development of the core pipeline support modules and sub-systems. This position reports to the Pipeline Programming Supervisor and the Pipeline Department Manager.

Required Skills:

• BS or MS in Computer Science or equivalent.
• Solid understanding of software design methodologies.
• Object-oriented software design experience.
• Strong scripting language experience (eg. Python, Perl).
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent documentation skills.
• Excellent UNIX skills.
• Knowledge of relational database design and implementation.

Desired Skills:

• 2+ years experience in software development.
• Familiarity with computer graphics application software (Maya, Houdini, Shake, etc).
• Computer animation and/or visual effects industry experience.

Submission Requirements: Please email cover letter and resume (please ensure that the subject line of your email says, Pipeline TD) to: recruitment@rhythm.com

This production position performs workflow design, implementation, and support tasks for the studio's feature film (VFX) and commercials production pipeline. Applicants need to thrive in a fast-paced, challenging production environment. Problem investigation and resolution skills are a must. The position includes occasional travel to overseas offices.

Responsibilities:

• Act as a general technical contact for production.
• Help design, implement, and support the various tools, systems, standards, and workflows that make up the Rhythm & Hues production pipeline.
• Handle varied technical requests from artists and production personnel.
• Debug production-related technical problems.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Linux/UNIX proficiency.
• Able to prioritize and juggle multiple requests.
• Scripting ability (Python, Perl, etc).
• Familiarity with computer graphics concepts and techniques.
• Familiarity with computer graphics application software (Maya, Houdini, Shake, etc).
• Excellent problem investigation and resolution skills.

Submission Requirements: Please email cover letter and resume (please ensure that the subject line of your email says, Pipeline TD) to: recruitment@rhythm.com

This is an entry-level production position that performs general technical support tasks for feature films (VFX) and commercials. It provides an opportunity to gain exposure to the Rhythm & Hues production pipeline. Applicants need to thrive in a fast-paced, challenging production environment. Problem investigation and resolution skills are a must. Experience with CG concepts and 2D/3D software applications is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities:

• Handle varied technical requests from artists and production personnel.
• Debug production-related technical problems.
• Support artists with various aspects of the production pipeline.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Linux/UNIX proficiency.
• Scripting ability (Python, Perl, etc).
• Able to prioritize and juggle multiple requests.

Submission Requirements: Please email cover letter and resume (please ensure that the subject line of your email says, Junior Pipeline TD) to: recruitment@rhythm.com

Scalable Network Technologies is the creator of industry leading real-time network simulation and emulation products, including QualNet and Exata that are widely used in the defense and telecommunications domains. SNT is a small, growing company that believes in giving independence to its employees and promoting personal and career growth in a friendly, open work environment.

SNT is seeking a part-time System Administration intern for its Los Angeles office located in the Howard Hughes Center in West Los Angeles.

Duties: Assist the Senior System Administrator maintaining and improving the company's infrastructure, systems, and services.

Required Skills:

• Microsoft based workstation and server deployment and administration
• Windows XP/7/Server, Exchange, SharePoint
• Strong interest in or exposure to Unix/Linux administration
• RedHat, CentOS, Ubuntu
• System building, troubleshooting, and repair
• End user support/helpdesk
• Assist in evaluating software and hardware solutions to meet project/service requirements
• Working knowledge of network infrastructure devices
• Eager to learn new technology and skills

Physical expectations:

• Must be able to lift 80 lbs with assistance and 25 lbs without assistance
• Occasionally stand for extended periods of time, up to four (4) hours
• Occasionally work for extended periods of time in cold server room

The current open position requires US citizenship. Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@scalable-networks.com. PLEASE BE SURE TO SPECIFY YOUR CITIZENSHIP STATUS.

Direct applicants only. Agency applications will not be accepted.

The Web Designer/Web Developer will implement, update, monitor, assess, improve, and manage performance of Tony Martinez websites. In addition, (s)he will develop custom features/functions and content management. The position's focus will be on search engine optimization, creating and executing integrated marketing campaigns using mini-sites, and integration with other company applications. The web master will manage and maintain the company websites with guidance from marketing and management.

Tony Martinez is an Athletic Trainer and is the trainer for well known athletes, actors, and singers.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the website, such as adding/removing content and site maintenance, identification of necessary enhancements, graphic updates, and development of new sections as appropriate.
• Support new initiatives and programs, including the use of social networking sites/blogs to implement market-presence awareness; work with marketing team, managing the online content efforts to help boost traffic with social networking, newsletters, etc.; plan and execute search engine optimization strategies.
• Measure and monitor web presence and site traffic, determine web and server problems, and implement website updates.
• Perform updates, maintenance, and creative work in collaboration with the existing graphic design team.
• Design prototypes, wireframes, and proofs-of-concept.
• Set and enforce compatibility and interoperability standards that ensure site accessibility for all users.
• Conduct research into current and emerging web technologies and issues in support of web development efforts; track and evaluate new standards, technologies, and trends in web architecture, development, design, and delivery; identify, recommend, and prioritize new web features and applications.

To apply submit your resume to Vera Cuno via email at vera@trainertonymartinez.com.

Mathobotix is looking for Summer Camp Mentors who want to be an inspiration to younger scientists. You must have the ability to understand, and explain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts and lab exercises to K-12 students. Robotics is a multi-disciplinary subject. At Mathobotix you will help teach robotics to K - 12 students using various Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math subjects from a project based curriculum. Sample set of topics include Introduction to Robotics, Types of Robots, Uses and Application, Safety Instruction, Best Practices, Introduction To Engineering, Design Process, Project Management, Team building, Adding Motion to the Robot (Physics), Powering the Robot (Basic Electricity), Assembly Process, Structural Stability, Center of Gravity, Wheel Sizes, Gear Trains, Types of Motors, Torque, Testing, Logic/Programming, Microcontroller, Sensors, Types of Sensors, Purpose of Sensors Interfacing, Robot Control System, Basic robot signals Radio Control/RF Receiver Module, Joystick controls, etc.

You will be responsible for robotic project and game creation, coaching, mentoring, and demonstrating.

Knowledge/skills (preferred not required – training provided):

• Hardware, software, and programming
• Systems engineering
• Ability to work well with students ages 6 - 16
• Motivation and willingness to create an energetic, fun-filled safe learning environment
• Be an inspiration and positive role-model to the young scientists
• Aptitude to be a dynamic member of Mathobotix
• Leadership and presentation skills will be a great plus
• Spoken and written communication skills
• Must be able to write user friendly technical documentation

Social Responsibilities / Duty of Care with young scientists:

• Chaperoning during break times
• Keeping lab area tidy and clean
• Ensure Campers are learning STEM subjects, Campers are having fun, Campers are safe

Educational background: In progress toward Bachelors Degree or higher in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math or related field.

Pre-requisite: 20 hr shadow training at Mathobotix- Irvine or Long Beach prior to camp. UCI SWE, ESC student members, FLL Volunteers, Science, Math, Education, Technology, Engineering Majors given higher priority.

Camp Hours: Flexible 40 hours a week (8:30am - 4:30pm) see the Mathobotix Camp for summer 2011 in Cerritos website for more information about the camp.

Interested students please email your resume to Walter Martinez at wmartinz@mathobotix.com

Ellison Technologies has an IT Internship available. The company is located in Santa Fe Springs CA.

Intern duties:

• Intern will be helping deploy IPAD's, laptops, desktops and mobile devices.
• Will help organize asset tracking database.
• Will help implement an exchange 2010 system.

The internship pays $15/hour. To apply, send Resume and Cover letter to ITinterns@ellisoncorp.com.