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Institute for Medical Research at the Durham VA Health Care System

SQL Developer Job Description

PI: Dr. Stephen Freedland

The Institute for Medical Research, (IMR), a private nonprofit organization that conducts cutting edge research for the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System (DVAHCS), is seeking to hire a full time Senior SQL Developer. The successful candidate would be employed in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Freedland, a nationally recognized leader in urology research. The Freedland Urology Research Group primarily examines oncological disease in veterans with a particular focus on lifestyle, race, and risk stratification, and is supported by numerous federal grants as well as leading industry sponsors.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be part of a highly productive and dynamic team of researchers. The SQL Developer is involved with the collection and management of large amounts of clinical data and will need to learn considerable knowledge of clinical research methods and clinical presentations of urologic diseases. Applicants must have the ability to: work independently in a fast-paced environment, prioritize and manage the workflow of multiple projects, sit for long periods in front of computers, and be fluent in English.

Location: This position is remote. IMR employees must reside in the state of North Carolina.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Data Collection & Reporting:

• Access VA databases and repositories to programmatically identify research study cohorts and extract research data from patient electronic health records (EHRs)

• Coordinate with VA database administrators to, to add study cohort EHR data to designated VA research databases, and for other general database maintenance activities

• Assess the quality of clinical data sets to identify data limitations and errors; work with study team to resolve coding errors and data discrepancies.

• Promptly respond to time-sensitive data query requests with data summary reports and diagrams to support research study feasibility decisions and/or research proposal development

• Facilitate manipulation of data between different formats (excel, csv, etc.)

  Database Backend Design and Maintenance:

• Develop and maintain backend database structures for clinical research study databases

• Design and build relational database structures

• Create and modify tables within existing databases

• Advise on decisions regarding the expansion of or changes to a study database based on best design practices.

• Model data collection requirements to inform backend development plan for research studies

• Elicit and integrate user feedback and testing into database backend structure designs

• Ensure data security including privacy protection, backups, etc.

  Document Work:

• Document work related to database and query design using comments, codebooks, and good programming practices

• Produce graphical documentation of work including entity relationship and consort diagrams

• Utilize version control as part of code development and documentation

• Recommend new methods for collection and documentation of data

• Revise and maintain procedural manuals and training materials, as needed

• Provide written, oral, and/or electronic status reports of assigned tasks

  Collaborate with Team Members:

• Communicate with collaborators around the country to advise on topics related to data management, data abstraction, and compilation of multiple datasets across sites

• Work with research coordinators to ensure all procedures adhere to HIPAA and IRB compliance

• Correspond with VA technology departments to address/resolve IT needs and problems

• Provide input on project decisions related to timelines, feasibility, and other relevant issues working with team leads to make sure work is completed in timely manner for project deadlines to be met

• Participate in team meetings on a frequent and regular schedule

• Train additional team members, as necessary

  Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems/Technology, or other relevant field

• At least 5 years of experience as a SQL developer, data analyst, or other relevant work that aligns with the qualifications of this job

• Intimate familiarity with the best practices, methodologies and/or frameworks associated with the following practices:

• Relational database tools, design, and analysis

• ETL development

• Database theory and design

• Principles of data querying

• Minimum of 5 years practical experience with SQL and RDBMSes (preferably Microsoft SQL Server) and at least one general-purpose programming language (e.g., Python, Java, etc.)

• Extensive experience with procedural SQL, stored procedures, triggers, and user defined functions

• Ability to design and implement table structures following principals of normalization

• Ability to write SQL queries and sub-queries to acquire data accurately and efficiently from large datasets with complex table structures

• Analyze new and existing SQL queries for performance improvements

• Experience with data integration, including creating and maintaining ETL processes

• Experience with version control is a plus

• Experience working in healthcare, medical research, heath sciences, or related fields is a plus

• Highly organized, detailed oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks, changing priorities and deadlines

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

• Ability to solve problems, troubleshoot, and quickly and independently learn new skills

• Capacity to communicate both written and orally with an array of research team members

  Physical Requirements: The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows: Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 15 pounds , stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and stoop, regularly use fingers, hands for computer work.

  Supervisory Controls: The position of Senior SQL Developer is under the direct supervisor of the Director of Technical Operations.

  The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

  Salary Range : $95,000 - $130,440 per year

• Salary will be commensurate with abilities and experience.

  Status: Exempt

  Start Date: Expected start date will be 6 - 8 weeks after the offer but is somewhat flexible and contingent upon completion and approval of VA paperwork.

  Employee Benefits: IMR offers a competitive benefits package if you work 25 hours or more which includes health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability insurance. IMR offers a matching 403b retirement savings plan if you work 20 or more hours. Both part-time and full-time employees get paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit https://imr.org/benefits/ for information about employee benefits.

  All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS). As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a physical and drug test. Participation in the vaccination programs may be required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointments. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

  Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans.

  Click here (https://imr.org/careers/) to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page (https://imr.org/careers/) !