Database Engineer

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Data Office is a strategic unit within the University of Michigan Medical School's Office of Research which fills a known gap between U-M research community's data needs and the robust information systems containing clinical data. The Data Office is composed of 10 passionate, results-oriented, innovative, team members who serve more than 1,000 U-M researchers annually. 

We are looking for a dynamic addition to the team who will support our success by maintaining and optimizing enterprise data infrastructure for research, and occasioning creating custom data extracts from this infrastructure.  The ideal candidate will perform this service-customer facing role by identifying cost effective, highly secure database processes and help bring our research community into a modern environment of advanced data use for cutting-edge discoveries and translation of scientific findings.

Reliable, actionable data about patient health has never been in such high demand, and we are seeking a self-motivated, creative, detail-oriented Data Engineer to join our dynamic team!

Under general supervision, responsible for planning, conducting, and coordinating the application of enterprise research information system techniques to existing and future needs. Participates in systems development and maintenance. Conducts analysis of complex data processing applications and prepares feasibility studies to evaluate user needs for new or revised systems.  Investigates available hardware and software configurations and capabilities; recommends optimal system to meet Office of Research strategic objectives.

Responsibilities*

40% 

  • Serve as a lead database expert on OoR data infrastructure 
  • Perform complex systems analyses and programming tasks requiring advanced techniques. 
  • Develop back-end for web applications, creating database structures such as application-specific schema and stored procedures.
  • Handle the deployment of apps including configuration of internal web servers. Custom programming as necessary. 
  • Participate with research related projects involving complex queries and database work. 

25%

  • Prepare detailed specifications from which programs will be written. Design, code, test, debug, and document those programs. Competent to work at the highest technical level of all phases of applications systems analysis and programming activities. May be responsible for completion of a phase of a project. 
  • Provide technical advice and consultation on difficult analysis and programming problems requiring advanced techniques. 
  • Provide recommendations for application and system improvements.
  • Aid in developing programming, systems analysis and documentation standards. 
  • Prepare and conduct comprehensive system and programming tests. Debug malfunctions and modify programs accordingly. 
  • Coordinate the interfaces between major systems and programs. 
  • Work with Data Scientists on data needs and analytics. Opportunity is available to expand work to data modeling and creating Ml/AI models in data science field.

25%

  • Support clinical research through mapping of data sources.
  • Development of complex database queries for diverse clinical researchers.
  • Join data from various systems, disparate databases into a cohesive set for analytics.

10%

  • 10% Attend meetings, respond to email, documentation.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related fields with at least 3 years of experience in programming languages such as C, C++, C# or Java.

Experience working with relational databases like SQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL

Basic understanding of data used in research:  HIPAA regulations, IRB processes, compliance/IA guide rails for data sharing, etc.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to detail. 

Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. 

  • Experience with Data Science concepts.
  • Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of collaborators, internally and externally.

Modes of Work

This is a hybrid work arrangement, with a minimum of 1 day a week onsite.  Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Basic Function and Responsibility

  • Devises or modifies procedures to solve complex problems considering computer equipment capacity and limitations, operating time, and form of desired results. Work with other institutions in formulating technical solutions on data integrations.
  • Defines system objectives and prepares systems design specifications to meet user requirements and satisfy interface problems.
  •  Performs complex systems analysis and programming tasks requiring advanced techniques. 
  • Develop back-end for web applications, creating database structures such as application-specific schema and stored procedures.
  • Handling the deployment of apps including configuration of internal web servers. Custom programming as necessary. 
  • Participate with research related projects involving complex queries and database work. 
  • Possible data science related work on projects.
  •  Prepares detailed specifications from which programs will be written. Designs, codes, tests, debugs, and documents those programs. MAISE developed programs such as ProView, DataExplorer, MQUARK, or CST. Competent to work at the highest technical level of all phases of applications systems analysis and programming activities. May be responsible for completion of a phase of a project. 
  •  Provides technical advice and consultation on difficult analysis and programming problems requiring advanced techniques. 
  • Provides recommendations for application and system improvements.
  •  Aids in developing programming, systems analysis and documentation standards. Prepares cost analysis and justification of data processing systems. Presents recommendations to management. 
  •  Prepares and conducts comprehensive system and programming tests. Debugs malfunctions and modifies programs accordingly. Recommends system software modifications or changes to hardware configurations. 
  • Coordinates the interfaces between major systems and programs. Activities include the conceptualization, development and implementation of complex program designs. Often responsible for achieving operational status within required time parameters and with acceptable operating performance.
  • Work with Data Scientists on data needs and analytics. Opportunity is available to expand work to data modeling and creating Ml/AI models in data science field.
  • Assist other developers as necessary, providing guidance and expertise regarding implementation of web applications and infrastructure.
  • Work Project Manager to document tasks, projects details in Wrike, MiShare/OnePoint or other project management tools as necessary

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.