About the Company
The University of South Florida (USF) is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success and situated in the heart of Florida’s vibrant Tampa Bay region. As one of the largest public universities in the nation, USF is committed to conducting groundbreaking research that advances knowledge, fosters innovation, and addresses critical societal challenges. Our Department of Geosciences and related research centers are at the forefront of understanding Earth’s past and present, leveraging advanced technology to push the boundaries of discovery.
Job Description
The University of South Florida is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Paleontological Database Administrator to join our innovative team in Wesley Chapel, Florida. This high-level IT position is crucial for the ongoing management, maintenance, and strategic development of our extensive paleontological data archives. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the integrity, accessibility, and security of critical research data, supporting scientists and researchers in their groundbreaking work to uncover the history of life on Earth. This role requires a unique blend of advanced database administration expertise and a passion for scientific data, particularly within the paleontological or geological domain.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain robust database schemas for paleontological collections and research data.
- Implement and manage database security protocols, access controls, and data privacy measures.
- Perform regular database backups, recovery operations, and performance tuning to ensure optimal functionality.
- Develop and execute ETL processes for data ingestion, cleaning, and migration from various sources.
- Provide expert technical support and training to researchers and staff on database usage and data best practices.
- Collaborate with paleontologists and IT professionals to identify data needs and implement solutions.
- Stay abreast of new database technologies and paleontological data standards to recommend and implement improvements.
- Document database structures, processes, and policies thoroughly, ensuring compliance with institutional and external standards.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in database administration (DBA) for large-scale relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server).
- Expertise in SQL for complex querying, data manipulation, and schema definition.
- Strong understanding of data modeling, database design principles, and normalization.
- Familiarity with data governance, data integrity, and security best practices.
- Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for database automation and data processing.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Geosciences, or a related field.
- Experience with paleontological, biological, or geological data management systems.
- Knowledge of biodiversity informatics standards (e.g., Darwin Core).
- Experience with cloud-based database services (e.g., AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database, Google Cloud SQL).
- Proficiency in geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial database management.
- Experience working in an academic or research environment.
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- Participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with employer contributions.
- Tuition waiver program for employees and eligible dependents to pursue higher education.
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities and a vibrant academic community.
- Extensive professional development opportunities and training programs.
- Life and disability insurance for financial security.
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please click the "Apply Now" button below. To ensure your application is properly considered, please prepare the following:
- An up-to-date Resume or CV
- A brief cover letter summarizing your experience and motivation
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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