Data Engineer job at Drexel University

Job Description

We are looking for a Data Engineer to join our research collaborative. The hire will be responsible for building and optimizing our data warehouse for several large, multisite urban health research projects involving local, national and international data (including data from multiple Latin American countries and other countries as needed). The primary responsibilities will include (1) identifying, implementing, and managing optimal data systems and solutions needed to store and manage large complex linked datasets; (2) performing and coordinating complex data management and data linkage tasks; and (3) establishing and managing data sharing processes and procedures necessary to distribute and track data access and data use across multiple team members locally and globally. Other responsibilities may include assisting with additional data compilation and processing including georeferencing and developing and managing various web-based data dashboards including data visualizations and mapping. The ideal candidate will be self-directed, exceptionally well organized, and comfortable working with diverse data sources and platforms and supporting the diverse data needs of multiple project teams. The position allows for ample opportunities for professional development including engaging in various data analytics (including data mining and others) tasks as appropriate.

The position is based at the Urban Health Collaborative at the Dornsife School of Public Health. The Data Engineer will work closely with study Principal Investigators, Data and Methods Core Leads, Biostatisticians and Project Managers of Salud Urbana en Latin America (SALURBAL), Health Consequences of Urban Scaling, and other Urban Health Collaborative projects as needed.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, informatics, information systems or related quantitative field
3+ years of experience developing and managing data platforms for complex multisite research
Very detail oriented, extremely organized, and comfortable with multitasking
Possess excellent English oral, written, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Team oriented and experienced working with diverse groups of investigators and trainees
Highly proficient in SQL and experience working with relational databases, as well as working with a variety of database platforms such as PostgreSQL or Microsoft SQL Server or similar
Experience building and optimizing 'big data' data platforms, architectures and data sets
Experience working with both structured and unstructured datasets
Experience with Python, Java, JavaScript, and/or Scala
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in information technology, computer science, informatics, information systems or related quantitative field
Experience with big data tools such as Hadoop, MapReduce, MongoDB, Spark, and/or Hive is desirable
Experience working with geographically referenced datasets
Knowledge of Tableau, D3, Shiny or other visualization tools a plus
Knowledge of SAS, Stata, or R a plus
Knowledge of ArcGIS, QGIS, or other mapping platforms a plus
Fluent knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese highly desirable

Essential Functions:

Create and maintain optimal data platforms, coordinate the compilation, harmonization and linkage of multiple diverse datasets
Identify, design, and implement internal process improvements: automating manual processes, optimizing data delivery, re-designing data infrastructure, etc.
Build the infrastructure required for optimal extraction, transformation, and loading of data from a wide variety of data sources using SQL and other 'big data' platforms
Interact with local data teams to acquire, process, and harmonize data and coordinate linkage of country-specific or neighborhood data with data compiled by the resource cores or other entities associated with the projects
Perform and coordinating complex data management and data linkage tasks
Coordinate and manage a central data repository for the studies and facilitate the transition to a public resource as the project develops
Develop and manage a process to provide access to data for various project Investigators. Track data requests and ensure data confidentiality and security as necessary
Develop and maintain detailed documentation and metadata for all data

Secondary Functions:

Create and maintain web-based data dashboards including data visualization and mapping
Assist with the compilation and processing of additional data
Coordinate the geo-referencing of multiple datasets and the linkage of data to geographic data in collaboration with GIS experts on the team and at the country sites
Assists with various data analytics tasks including data mining or other approaches

Supplemental Posting Information:

This position is supported either fully or partially by external funds; therefore, any offer of employment and the continuation of employment are contingent on receipt of those external funds.

Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches the University community and the educational and employment experience of its members. The University prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and any other prohibited characteristic. Please visit our website to view all University Policies and Workplace Postings.

Background investigations are required for all new hires as a condition of employment, after the job offer is made. Employment will be contingent upon the University's acceptance of the results of the background investigation.

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