Database Systems Engineer Associate

Department: MED-Preventive Medicine
Salary/Grade: ITS/77

Job Summary:

Northwestern University Data Analysis and Coordinating Center (NUDACC) of the Feinberg School of Medicine (FSM) is recruiting a data manger to join a highly collegial academic environment in the expanding Division of Biostatistics in FSM's Department of Preventive Medicine. Responsibilities include: assisting in the design, implementation, and maintenance of research study databases; independently completing database administration tasks; obtaining instruction and guidance from senior staff and faculty to complete more complex activities; participating in maintaining and monitoring database environments and database performance. NUDACC typically uses the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform coupled with statistical software (e.g., SAS and R) to manage multicenter clinical study data. The individual filling this role will interface with these, among other platforms, along with data enterers from clinical sites and faculty and staff programmers to streamline data collection and analysis pipelines. Studies for which this individual will provide data management support include: (1) the Liver Cirrhosis Network (LCN) studies, and (2) the Glycemic Observation and Metabolic Outcomes in Mothers and Offspring (GO MOMs), both funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Collaborates with site staff and internal team members to design data collection tools and data entry workflow(s).
• Contributes to manual of operations and data management plan development

Administration

• Participates in the design and analysis of policies, procedures, and standards relating to database management.
• Performs data backups and recoveries.
• Participates in change control process.
• Monitors and responds to security alerts.
• Monitors user access rights to study databases and data systems.
• Conducts impact testing and maintains a log of database modifications.

Development

• Integrates systems through database design.
• Performance
• Maintains databases.
• Maintains database dictionaries.
• Maintains database backup processes.
• Monitors daily processes and responds to alerts.
• Performs database freezes, locks, and exports according to study needs and schedule.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as computer science, information technology, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• No experience required.

Infrastructure

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook)
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Windows Operating System

Programming Languages and Frameworks

• PL/SQL
• SAS
• R
• Compliance
• HIPAA
• IRB
• Analytical
• critical thinking
• database design/ data structure
• Debugging
• decision making
• judgment
• metadata creation and management
• problem solving
• Troubleshooting
• Project
• agile environment
• Code documentation
• collaboration and teamwork
• iterative & incremental development
• organizational skills
• planning
• workflow development & documentation

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Strong attention to detail.
• Communicates effectively one-on-on and in small groups.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in database design.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge in programing language or statistical software such as R, SAS, Stata, etc.
• Proficiency in REDCap - preferred, but not required.
• Proficiency in working in a reproducible framework such as using R Markdown or something similar - preferred, but not required.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $65,124-$81,405 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

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