Senior Database Programmer

MPF Federal seeks a Senior Database Programmer to support the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC), Operational Infectious Diseases (OID) Directorate. This role involves developing, optimizing, and administering databases for managing large-scale epidemiological and clinical data sets related to infectious disease research.

The OID Directorate conducts ongoing, laboratory-based surveillance of US military populations in unique environments to quantify and study the etiology of infectious illnesses. Test specimens are collected from ongoing surveillance programs and from special investigations of febrile illnesses and pneumonia among military personnel or civilians (recruits, forces afloat, deployed forces, outbreaks of concern, and border populations). In addition to the utilization of portable, rapid assay technologies to identify pathogens in the field, test specimens and limited epidemiologic data, when approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), are provided to the NHRC laboratory, where diagnostics and, in some instances, in-depth pathogen characterization is conducted. Results are provided to sponsors, the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, local investigators and collaborators, and, when applicable, county health units to guide proper responses that ultimately affect both the readiness of US forces and the safety of public health.

Compensation Range: $100,000-$125,000 per year.

Responsibilities

· Designs, implements, and manages databases for storing, retrieving, and managing large volumes of research and clinical data related to infectious diseases.

· Ensures the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of data within the databases, implementing quality control procedures to minimize errors and data loss.

· Monitors database performance and troubleshoots issues to optimize data processing, storage, and retrieval times.

· Maintains appropriate security protocols to protect sensitive and confidential data, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations (e.g., HIPAA, DoD policies).

· Collaborates with epidemiologists, bioinformaticians, statisticians, and research scientists to facilitate data extraction, analysis, and reporting for infectious disease studies.

· Manages the integration of various data sources, ensuring that relevant data is accessible and usable for ongoing research projects. Develops automated systems for data reporting and visualization.

· Implements regular system updates, patches, and backup procedures to ensure database integrity and availability.

· Develops and executes data queries to retrieve specific data sets as required by research teams, ensuring timely and accurate data delivery.

· Maintains thorough documentation of database structures, processes, and management protocols to ensure system reliability and usability for long-term research objectives.

· Provides training and technical support to research staff on the use of database systems and data management best practices.

· Software development experience: Building, designing and maintaining the local software.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
• Three or more years of work experience in a related field.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in database management systems (e.g., SQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL) is required.
• Advanced SQL programming is required.
• Proficiency experience with data visualization tools including familiarity with programming languages (e.g., Python, R) and cloud-based data solutions is a plus.

· Software development experience: Building, designing and maintaining software by utilizing software development life cycle (SDLC) is required.

• Proficiency in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) programming is desired.
• Working knowledge of Power BI development preferred, including data modeling, Power Query (M), and advanced DAX. Ability to learn Power BI and utilize quickly required.
• Experience managing large and complex datasets, including clinical and epidemiological data, with a focus on data quality, security, and performance.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify and resolve database performance issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams and explain complex data concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with data security, privacy laws, and regulations (e.g., HIPAA, DoD policies) is desirable.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance.

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and proof of vaccination may be required.

Benefits

MPF Federal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. We offer a competitive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical benefits, PTO, holiday pay and more.