Senior Database Administrator - Logo

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023. Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Database Administrator (DBA) to lead the administration, optimization, and ongoing support of our SQL Server databases, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), and Snowflake cloud data environment. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in healthcare and/or higher education data environments, with demonstrated expertise in database performance tuning, reporting, and data management. This role will also support research and data science initiatives by ensuring the availability, quality, and integrity of datasets used in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), including data cleansing, transformation, and preparation for machine learning and deep learning applications.

The Senior DBA will collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including IT support staff, researchers, data scientists, information security professionals, application development teams, financial staff, and institutional leadership, to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient access to data across the organization. As part of the Penn Vet community, this position supports the technology and data needs of faculty, staff, and students across a dynamic academic and clinical environment, including classrooms, veterinary hospital facilities, and research laboratories. The successful candidate must be comfortable working in an environment where animals are present.

Responsibilities

• Lead the administration, maintenance, optimization, and ongoing support of SQL Server databases, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), and the Snowflake cloud data environment.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize database performance, ensuring high availability, reliability, and scalability of enterprise data systems.
• Develop, maintain, and support reporting solutions and data management processes to meet organizational and operational needs.
• Ensure the availability, quality, integrity, and security of institutional data across database and reporting platforms.
• Support research, analytics, and data science initiatives by managing datasets used for artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) projects.
• Perform data cleansing, transformation, validation, and preparation activities to support machine learning and deep learning applications.
• Implement and maintain data management best practices, standards, and governance procedures.
• Collaborate with researchers, data scientists, and technical teams to identify data requirements and deliver reliable data solutions.
• Partner with information security professionals to ensure data protection, compliance, and secure access to institutional information.
• Work closely with application development teams to support database integration, application functionality, and system performance.
• Provide technical support and consultation to IT staff, financial teams, researchers, faculty, and institutional leadership regarding database and reporting solutions.
• Develop and maintain database documentation, processes, procedures, and operational standards.
• Ensure reliable, secure, and efficient access to data for stakeholders across the organization.
• Support the technology and data needs of faculty, staff, and students within academic, clinical, and research environments.
• Provide database and reporting support for classrooms, veterinary hospital facilities, research laboratories, and other organizational operations.
• Participate in strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts related to database administration, reporting, analytics, and data architecture.
• Work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders to deliver data-driven solutions and support institutional objectives.
• Perform duties in an environment that includes classrooms, research facilities, clinical settings, and areas where animals may be present.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field experience (Master’s preferred).
• 3–5 years of experience in database administration, engineering, or related technical roles.
• SQL Server certification or equivalent is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Strong expertise with Microsoft SQL Server (administration, optimization, indexing, replication, clustering).
• Hands-on experience managing and optimizing Snowflake or similar cloud data platforms.
• Proven experience in healthcare and/or university data environments.
• Demonstrated skills in report development and SQL-based data extraction.
• Experience preparing datasets for AI, machine learning, and deep learning, including data cleansing and transformation.
• Familiarity with HIPAA, FERPA, data privacy, and security best practices.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with monitoring tools, backup systems, and ITSM platforms.
• Strong verbal & written communication skills, collaboration skills, and ability to work under minimal supervision within the context of their job responsibilities.
• Vendor management experience.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align projects and programs with the strategic goals and vision.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in managing changing priorities and unforeseen challenges in a dynamic environment.
• Collaboration: