Data Systems Manager

Job Summary

The UCSF Institute for Health Policy Studies, in conjunction with the San Francisco Veterans Administration, seeks an experienced Data Systems Manager to support the San Francisco VA Center for Healthcare Improvement and Medical Effectiveness (CHIME) VA Data Core. The incumbent will apply advanced data and information management concepts, alongside UCSF and San Francisco VA Researchers, to conduct operational and research projects.

The position is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of multiple databases supporting research projects, including databases for subject recruitment, follow-up, and related research activities. In addition to database work, the analyst will develop and maintain online Power BI dashboards to deliver operational data and reporting, as well as administer and maintain research application and storage servers for multiple principal investigators.

The incumbent will resolve highly complex issues that require in-depth evaluation of variable factors, selecting appropriate methods and techniques to achieve desired results. Working closely with the Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE) and the the VA Information Technology group, the analyst will establish and uphold best practices for data security, managing user permissions and data access in full compliance with VA privacy and security guidelines and Information Security Office security standards.

This role also encompasses data quality assurance, end-user training and support, installation and licensing of server-based statistical applications, and the development of new data collection and storage tools. The ideal candidate brings significant experience in a clinical research environment, including Microsoft and SQL database development and Windows server maintenance, strong analytical and dashboarding skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.

Department Overview

The Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies at UCSF is an interdisciplinary collection of concerned researchers who share a mission — improve health and transform healthcare in America by working across competing interests, collecting evidence, informing policy, and improving practice. We recognize that the health challenges we experience as a society are complex and systemic. Addressing these challenges therefore requires a comprehensive and equitable approach that spans across disciplines, ensuring that policy and practice serve everyone’s interests.

It is a fundamental human right that every individual can be healthy and have access to high-quality, affordable health care. When people are well-informed, it leads to better outcomes. In the same way, when policymakers and decision-makers have access to unbiased, comprehensive research, it leads to smarter, more effective policy. Smarter policy leads to healthier people.

%

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

Yes

Develops full data / information documentation for highly complex small and medium-size projects.

10

Yes

Plans and conducts data analysis efforts for highly complex small and medium-sized projects that may include managing partnerships between multiple institutions. Establishes or maintains information documentation standards such as data naming standards and value domain descriptions. Schedules and conducts analysis sessions. Documents ownership, custody and access requirements for data subject areas.

10

Yes

Coordinates reviews of data models and data definitions. Develops both conceptual and detailed data models for projects. Develops dimensional models for data subject areas. Creates and manages workflows (including ETL, data curation and others).

10

Yes

Initiates and designs for diverse date and data systems. Initiates, designs and implements detailed interfaces between computer systems. Initiates, designs, executes and sustains metadata for collections of digital objects.

Yes

Consults with NCIRE and VA I.T. group to determine best practices for security of data

5

Yes

Design database for subject recruitment, follow-up, and related activities

10

Yes

Design, implement and maintain research and operational databases, including error and logic verification; troubleshoot relevant issues

5

Yes

Oversee data entry, management and storage using database to maximum effectiveness

5

Yes

Perform application and data quality assurance on a routine basis

5

Yes

Train and assist end users

5

Yes

Administer secure applications and storage servers for several research PIs

5

Yes

Manage security, user permissions, and data access while adhering to VA privacy and security guidelines

5

Yes

Install several server-based statistical applications and manage all related licensing and accessibility issues

5

Yes

Manage and develop research study official websites

5

Yes

Initiate programming of new data collection and storage tools

100%

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Required

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Minimum 5 years of related experience

• Ability to prepare complex data models unassisted.
• Ability to understand and model complex knowledge-intensive processes such as scholarly and research processes.
• Experience in data integration and the specification of data services.
• Proven modeling and information design skills.
• Good negotiation and influencing skills.
• Familiarity with highly complex logical data design and data mapping or data conversion.
• Familiarity with highly complex data quality and governance issues and requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of data management systems, practices and standards.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with others from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated service orientation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
• Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team. Strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated advanced problem-solving skills. Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
• Advanced analytical and design skills, including the ability to abstract information requirements from real-world processes to understand information flows in computer systems.
• Ability to represent relevant information in abstract models. Critical thinking skills and attention to detail.