Job description

The Data Manager leads and manages the day-to-day operation of the database applications for the various research projects supported by the von Dadelszen/Magee research group. The postholder will support and deliver database applications that fulfil a variety of research, registry and biobank project requirements as well as managing the data collected. Many of these projects are designed and maintained to be accessible to collaborators around the world. The role requires a passion for delivering highly efficient secure applications in a highly dynamic research environment. The role will involve working on a variety of databases in the healthcare research projects on the windows/web/mobile platforms.  

The appointed candidate will be one of the primary contact points for the PRECISE and PRECISE-DYAD networks and will work closely with the PRECISE Programme Managers and research team to provide technical delivery of database applications as well as managing the data, for projects at the local site and at study sites globally.  The network will be developed between KCL and multiple academic research partners across the UK, Africa, other international countries. 

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract until 31st July 2023.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities

• Responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining multiple database applications on multiple platforms such as ODK-X and REDCap.   
• Leading the data management of active databases including writing query reports, cleaning these data and creating datasets for analysis. 
• Providing technical advice as well as programming and systems support to users on our international and national research projects. 
• Modifying existing programming logic, coding necessary instructions, testing and debugging programs, implementing and maintaining web enabled systems and services, and documenting coding solutions and findings. 
• Leading site data management teams to develop and oversee deployments, new applications or enhancements are in alignment with technical and functional requirements and have been appropriately tested. 
• Work closely with the Programme Managers to provide leadership and direction of all data related work within PRECISE, PRECISE-DYAD and other studies. 
• Working with researchers, staff, project teams and other collaborators to evaluate the work and ensure availability of resources to carry out assigned tasks. 
• Developing and implementing procedures, methods, and controls to foster operational efficiency. 
• Consulting with vendors and third-party software partners to evaluate new technologies and assesses its integration within the current work environment.   
• Provides strategic technical input and judgement to the applications system infrastructure and information development team. 
• Provide training to end users, research teams and students. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria

1.     Undergraduate or postgraduate degree, plus substantial work experience in relevant post 

2.     Knowledge of database design standards.

3.     Knowledge of software development best practices.

4.     Experience with version control, build management and continuous integration tools

5.     Knowledge and experience with any software development platforms and frameworks including SQL, Python, Excel.  C# and Javascript is an asset.

6.     Knowledge and experience with bioinformatics software/tools and statistical programming languages such as R or SPSS.  R is preferred.

7.     Knowledge and experience with managing relational database systems including MS Access, SQLite, MySQL or PostgreSQL Database.

8.     Knowledge and experience with Linux system administration including the management of high-performance computing platforms.

9.     Recognises the importance of data governance, security, and privacy.

10.  Demonstrated problem-solving methodologies and tools to diagnose and solve operational problems.

Desirable criteria

1.     Higher Degree in relevant subject.

2.     Experience in global health data management.

3.     Experience in delivering online databases.

4.     Familiarity with virtualization and infrastructure technologies to support database and web applications is an asset.

5.     Experience working and communicating with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, scientists, bioinformaticians and data analysts in a research environment.