Location: Bethesda, MD (Hybrid) (2 Days Onsite - May increase as Client needs may change) Position Title: Database Administer, Senior Clearance: Public Trust Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Database Administrator (DBA) to support our federal client at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a key member of the Information Technology Branch (ITB), you will play a critical role in supporting the Institute’s scientific, clinical, and administrative programs. In this position, you will design, maintain, secure, and optimize databases that drive clinical research systems, electronic data capture (EDC) platforms, business applications, and internal IT services.
You will work in a complex, multi-platform environment—including Windows, Linux, on-premise infrastructure, and cloud systems (e.g., Azure)—while collaborating closely with system administrators, developers, clinical investigators, research staff, and information security teams. This role combines traditional DBA responsibilities, clinical data system support (OpenClinica/LibreClinica), and cross-functional collaboration within a fast-paced research setting. Key Responsibilities Database Administration & Operations • Install, configure, and administer relational database systems (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL) across on-premises and cloud environments.
- Monitor database health and performance; optimize queries, indexes, and configurations to ensure high availability and responsiveness. • Implement and manage backup, restoration, and disaster recovery strategies aligned with client's security and data retention requirements. • Conduct routine maintenance including patching, upgrades, integrity checks, statistics updates, and index tuning.
- Monitor logs, alerts, and system metrics to proactively identify and resolve performance, resource contention, or data corruption issues. Data Management and Support for Research/Clinical Systems • Provide database and application support for clinical and scientific systems, including OpenClinica, LibreClinica, and related EDC platforms. • Work with project teams to design, build, and maintain data marts, research databases, and integration pipelines across clinical, survey, and operational systems.
- Collaborate with developers, statisticians, and research staff to develop efficient data models, ETL processes, validation logic, and reporting solutions. • Support integration efforts with survey tools such as Qualtrics, ensuring seamless data flow across platforms. • Assist in SSRS report development (SQL Server Reporting Services) and custom reporting needs for clinical and administrative users.
OpenClinica / LibreClinica (EDC) Responsibilities • Install, configure, and maintain Apache Tomcat environments for OpenClinica/LibreClinica, including deployment, performance monitoring, log review, SSL management, and issue troubleshooting. • Design, build, and validate studies within OpenClinica and LibreClinica, including: • CRFs, events, workflows, and form logic • Edit checks, rules, validation logic, visit schedules • Metadata configuration and user role/access setup • Perform routine data cleaning and validation using configured rules and edit checks. • Manage queries, enrollment tracking, subject visit completion, and ongoing data progress metrics.
- Develop and maintain data management documentation such as: • Data Management Plans • CRF Completion Guidelines • Edit Check Specifications • UAT scripts and validation records • Support and troubleshoot user issues; escalate technical items as needed. • Lead and support User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for new studies and system updates, documenting defects and validating form logic, rules, and automated workflows. • Provide recurring training sessions (monthly or as needed) for clinical staff on new study protocols and data entry procedures.
Security, Compliance and Governance • Ensure all database systems comply with NIH, HHS, and federal security and privacy policies, including timely remediation of vulnerabilities. • Manage and enforce robust access controls, encryption (in transit and at rest), auditing, and secure configuration practices. • Track and plan for software end-of-life (EOL) cycles; coordinate database and application server migrations ahead of expiration.
- Collaborate closely with client’s Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) and security teams to remediate findings from vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and compliance audits. • Support application security considerations for platforms such as OpenClinica (community version), Apache Tomcat, PostgreSQL, and LibreClinica. Planning, Documentation and Collaboration • Participate in capacity planning, architecture reviews, and performance forecasting related to database and application growth.
- Support migrations of systems and databases to virtualized or cloud platforms (e.g., NIH Data Center, Azure). • Develop and maintain technical documentation including system architecture, SOPs, runbooks, database standards, backup procedures, and application configuration guides. • Collaborate with system administrators, application developers, service desk teams, and clinical research staff to troubleshoot multi-layer issues across servers, networks, applications, and databases.
- Contribute to required monthly progress reporting and attend required technical and project meetings. Required Qualifications & Experience • Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience as a Database Administrator or similar role in a medium to large enterprise environment. • Education: Bachelor’s degree in one of the following - Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineer, or a related discipline.
- Certification (preferred): • Microsoft Certified • Azure Database Administrator Associate • or MCSA/MCSA with significant database focus (legacy acceptable if experience is current). • Or equivalent vendor certification such as: • Oracle Database Administrator Certified Associate / Professional • PostgreSQL or MySQL DBA certification. • * IT service management certification (e.g., ITIL Foundation).
- Security-related certification (e.g., Security+, CISSP Associate, or similar) is a plus. • Any certifications related to cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or equivalent) with a focus on data or database services. • Demonstrated experience administering relational database platforms such as Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and/or Oracle in production environments.
- Strong experience with: • Database installation, configuration, and patching • Performance monitoring and tuning (indexes, execution plans, resource usage) • Backup, restore, and disaster recovery • High availability solutions (e.g., clustering, mirroring, AlwaysOn, replication) • Experience working in Windows Server environments; familiarity with Linux-based database hosting. • Experience supporting mission-critical applications, preferably in healthcare, clinical research, or biomedical environments. • Solid understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, firewalls, connectivity troubleshooting) as they relate to database access and performance.
- Familiarity with IT service management tools (e.g., ServiceNow or similar ticketing systems) and working within defined SLAs. • Excellent troubleshooting skills and the ability to resolve complex technical issues spanning multiple layers (application, database, OS, network). • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Compensation And Benefits The projected compensation range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000 per year benchmarked in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Salary at LCG is determined by various factors, including but not limited to role, location, the combination of education/training, knowledge, skills, competencies, certifications, and work experience. LCG offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance options (medical, dental, vision), life and disability insurance, retirement plan contributions, as well as paid leave, federal holidays, professional development, and lifestyle benefits.
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