Database Administrator at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

Job Grade: 6.01

JOB PURPOSE: 

This role is responsible for development of databases in the environment in accordance to the set standards to meet business objectives. Work includes a broad range of complex technical or professional activities, in a variety of contexts. Investigates, defines and resolves complex issues.

Description: 

Reports to:

Software Development Manager

Direct reports:

None

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer database management system support activities for operational database systems.
• Gather requirements, design build, and implement study databases and data collection tools
• Evaluate potential solutions, demonstrate, install and commission selected products.
• Translate object and data models into appropriate database schemas within design constraints.
• Integrate data across applications and DBMSs.
• Set data constraints and perform data cleanup to ensure data quality;
• Facilitate database development and implementation processes;
• Liaise with developers on development project requirements and implement physical database structures;
• Develop basic knowledge of database concepts, object and data modelling techniques and design principles;
• Assesses proposed changes to objects and data structures and implement changes in physical databases;
• Interpret installation standards to meet project needs and produces database components as required;                                                     
• Ensure data security by controlling data access through user authentication and connecting applications;
• Develop, manage and test back-up and recovery plans;
• Capacity planning by projecting resource utilization;
• Monitor performance and manage parameters to provide fast responses to front-end users;
• Conduct database backup, storage and archiving; and
• Writing database documentation, including data standards, procedures and definitions for the data dictionary (metadata).
• Improve and document the technical processes around application support (using Confluence)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree computer science or in related specialization of study
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in database management in environments with Opensource SQL database (MySQL/Maria DB, PostgreSQL). 1 year supervisory experience is an added advantage.
• Experience in with different database environments and integrating them with web and mobile applications
• Familiarity with architecture styles/APIs (REST, RPC)
• Experience in maintaining and debugging live software applications and databases
• Knowledge and experience working with agile methodologies.

DESIRABLE

• At least one DBA certification e.g., OCA, MYSQL, MCSA
• Experience in Electronic Data Collection systems such e.g., Redcap, Open Clinica
• Experience in working in a research institution
• Experience with Azure

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrate high levels of integrity
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to multi-task and stay organized in a dynamic work environment
• Ability to provide adhoc support to different database environments
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, both in writing and oral
• Logical diagnostic skills and ability to exercise good judgement in the resolution of problems
• Ability to learn new programming languages quickly.
• Ability to write, edit, and debug computer programs to achieve desired output.
• Strong understanding of the software development cycle.
• Good presentation skills;