About the Company
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is a public research university located in Kansas City, Missouri. As a cornerstone of higher education and innovation in the region, UMKC is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Our diverse academic programs foster critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing students to lead in an ever-evolving world. UMKC’s research initiatives span various fields, including a strong commitment to scientific discovery and data management, requiring robust and specialized IT infrastructure to support cutting-edge projects and preserve invaluable historical and scientific data.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Paleontological Database Administrator to join our High-Level IT team. This unique role is central to managing, maintaining, and developing the complex database systems that support our paleontological research and collections. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the integrity, security, and accessibility of vast datasets pertaining to fossil records, geological formations, and associated scientific metadata. This position requires a blend of advanced database administration expertise and a keen understanding of scientific data management principles, preferably with exposure to biological or geological sciences.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain robust database schemas optimized for paleontological data storage and retrieval.
- Perform regular database performance tuning, monitoring, and optimization to ensure high availability and responsiveness.
- Implement and manage data security protocols, backup and recovery strategies, and disaster recovery plans.
- Collaborate with paleontologists, researchers, and curatorial staff to understand data requirements and translate them into effective database solutions.
- Develop and maintain data import/export routines, APIs, and integration points with other scientific tools and platforms.
- Ensure data quality, consistency, and integrity through validation, cleaning, and standardization processes.
- Provide expert-level support and troubleshooting for database-related issues.
- Stay current with emerging database technologies and best practices, recommending and implementing improvements.
- Document database architecture, procedures, and best practices.
- Manage user access and permissions, ensuring compliance with data governance policies.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in SQL and experience with relational database management systems (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle).
- Demonstrated experience in database design, implementation, and optimization.
- Strong understanding of data modeling, schema design, and normalization principles.
- Experience with database security, backup, and recovery procedures.
- Familiarity with data warehousing concepts and ETL processes.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a relevant field.
- Experience with NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra) or graph databases.
- Knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python, R) for data manipulation and automation.
- Prior experience working in an academic research environment or with scientific data.
- Understanding of paleontological, geological, or biological data structures and terminology.
- Experience with cloud database services (e.g., AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database, Google Cloud SQL).
- Certifications in database administration (e.g., Oracle Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate).
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off and holidays.
- Retirement plans with employer contributions.
- Tuition assistance for employees and dependents.
- Professional development opportunities and training.
- Access to university facilities, including libraries and recreational centers.
- Dynamic and collaborative research environment.
- Life and disability insurance.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please click the "Apply Now" button below. To ensure your application is properly considered, please prepare the following:
- An up-to-date Resume or CV
- A brief cover letter summarizing your experience and motivation
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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