Research Informatics DevOps Engineer - OIT

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Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

Description:

The Research Informatics DevOps Engineer is an essential part of the Research Informatics team and reports directly to the Director of Research Computing and Data Infrastructure. This fully remote role is focused on supporting both research and clinical informatics projects. Core duties involve designing, implementing, and managing strong DevOps strategies to guarantee scientific computing that is both dependable and scalable. The engineer works in close partnership with diverse teams to create reproducible research processes, oversee hybrid computing systems, and ensure smooth integration with the institution's infrastructure. The position emphasizes compliance with data governance and regulatory standards and demands the development and upkeep of detailed documentation to promote research reproducibility and aid in audit processes. Successful candidates will possess advanced technical expertise in data integration, database management, and analytics, with a strong focus on providing secure, scalable, and reproducible workflows for research data throughout the organization.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and manage data pipelines that extract, transform, and load (ETL) clinical, genomic, and research data from diverse sources.
• Collaborate with clinical researchers, bioinformaticians, and IT professionals to design data systems aligned with study and compliance requirements.
• Create and maintain relational and non-relational databases for research data assets.
• Implement APIs and data access layers that enable controlled data sharing and interoperability between platforms.
• Optimize performance, data quality, and reliability through validation and monitoring frameworks.
• Support data harmonization in alignment with standards such as OMOP, HL7 FHIR, and CDISC.
• Contribute to data governance, security, and regulatory compliance (HIPAA, IRB, and institutional policies).
• Support reproducible research through version control, documentation, and workflow automation.
• Mentor junior data engineers or analysts and participate in collaborative institutional projects.
• This is a central university office position
• Works as a positive team member of a project that may consist of Business Analysts, Project Managers, Information Architects, Data Analysts, and/or Database Administrators to deliver quality applications and components within scope, on time, and within budget and compliance.
• Leads efforts to ensure that informatics systems support and advance the research objectives and mission of Emory University.
• Establishes collaborative relationships with subject matter experts and becomes an expert in one or multiple lines of businesses.
• Leads and proactively identifies emerging technologies; develops proof-of-concepts, and promotes the usage of these emerging technologies.
• Leads highly-complex technical teams.
• Develops new subject areas in business intelligence tool from physical sources and user requirements.
• Mentors other analysts on regulation adherence, and develops and modifies standard operating procedures.
• Develops strategies for managing and maintaining data standards and metadata.
• Applies biomedical informatics technical standards, methodologies, and principles to research-specific program needs, objectives, and outcomes.
• Forms tactical strategies to meet client goals, and develops reporting infrastructure to meet multiple client needs.
• Creates architecture documentation related to current and proposed informatics solutions.
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's degree and seven years of related experience, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience working with RDBMS like Oracle, Microsoft SQL server or MySQL database, and understanding of SQL in a major RDBMS.
• Thorough understanding of SQL extension language such as PL/SQL or T-SQL.Experience with business intelligence reporting/dashboarding and tools. IT experience in a healthcare or university setting is preferred.
• Experience in designing data management solutions within a variety of system environments.
• Technical certification is preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience in data engineering or research informatics within healthcare or life sciences.
• Strong proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (Python, R, or Scala).
• Experience designing and managing databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, or NoSQL systems).
• Familiarity with ETL frameworks (Airflow, dbt, or similar).
• Knowledge of healthcare and research data types (EHR, REDCap, genomics, imaging).
• Understanding of data privacy, compliance, and security best practices.
• Experience in academic or hospital-based research settings.
• Proficiency with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Knowledge of machine learning pipelines or data analytics frameworks.
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD processes.

 

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University location as needed and at times, on short notice.  Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.

Additional Details:

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.