Job description and person specification

Summary details
Unit name: / Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
Division/Section: / Survey Office
Job title / Database Support Officer
*Salary range: / £20,074 to £23,056,
*Band (Grade): / 5
*Contract type (e.g. Open/Fixed term): / Open
*Hours (e.g. full or part time): / Full time
Detailed job description
Overall purpose:
We need someone with the right expertise to assist our Database Manager in the configuration and maintenance of study data and database development. You will be joining a team of people whose purpose is to ensure that research based surveys are carried out rigorously, efficiently, accurately and on time.
This research unit, based at Glasgow University, undertakes a wide variety of research projects all of which are supported by a suite of MS Access databases, automated by VBA and connected to MySQL back-ends. The system, which is accessed at any one time by 10 to 20 users, requires a specific data configuration created to meet the varying needs of each study. Additionally, the system is under continuous development to reflect changing working practices and to rationalise earlier designs into a new environment.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
·  Entering and maintaining configuration for individual studies in consultation with the Database Manager as well as research and survey office staff. In addition, manage user accounts, bulk data processes and import/export routines.
·  Resolve user problems by providing advice and fixing more complex data issues. Investigate system failures and correct (or refer to the Database Manager if appropriate).
·  Provide development support by devising test routines for software in development, involving other users where necessary.
·  Provide Ad hoc reporting and data management. Provide occasional reports and data downloads not normally accessible to users and manage data where functionality isn’t available. This includes data cleaning and testing.
·  Write user documentation (both on-line and hard copy) and assist in creating technical documentation.
·  Manage change by supervising version change for new versions of MS Office and investigating the integration of new software packages into the system.
Working relationships:
You will be joining a team of survey support staff who undertake the operational side of conducting a variety of surveys (see:- http://www.sphsu.mrc.ac.uk/participant-studies/) using a variety of methodologies e.g. postal, one to one interviews etc. You will be line-managed by the Survey Manager but on a day to day basis you will be supervised by the Database Manager. You will be based in the Survey Office and work alongside all the survey support personnel. You will also have regular contact with research staff in the Unit and IT staff, in order to understand and implement their requirements.
Additional information:
While not a formal Systems Analysis role, the configuration tasks require you to analyse the study processes and encapsulate them within the suite of MS Access databases (known within the Unit as SORD – Survey Office Respondent Databases), and so some expertise in the analysis of processes is required. We also need someone who can work independently but can judge (within a set protocol) when critical issues need to be escalated to the Database Manager.
Equality & Diversity
The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equalities and diversity leadership and management.
Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements
The job holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:
·  Code of Conduct
·  Equality and Diversity policy
·  Health and Safety policy
·  Data Protection and Security policy
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between the post holder and their manager.
The above lists are not exhaustive and the job holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.
Person requirements
Education/qualifications/training:
Essential: Qualification in computing or related subject at HND or degree level or extensive, in-depth database design experience if no formal qualification held. The qualification must include administering and developing databases and experience of using an appropriate language to write automation code.
Desirable:
Training in Microsoft Access and VBA.
Subject knowledge required:
Essential Administration and development of databases and use of an appropriate language to write automation code.
Desirable: Broad-based knowledge of MySQL or SQL Server. Background knowledge of web design. In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Access and VBA to deliver a user application.
Experience required:
Essential: Entering and maintaining system configuration for a database structure. Experience of testing software development.
Desirable: Maintaining configuration for databases in a complex and time-pressured environment. Development of systems to meet user needs identified in a process environment. Experience of constructing formal test routines involving a range of users. Experience in process analysis.
Written communication required:
Essential: Writing user documentation to support databases.
Desirable: Experience of writing technical documentation for databases.
Verbal communication required:
Essential: Ability to convey complex database issues in easy-to-follow and concise terms for non-technical users.
Desirable: Previous experience of liaising with user clientele to develop databases in a complex and time-pressured environment. Outgoing and friendly personality both in one-to-one and group environment.
Skills required
Essential:
Ability to work flexibly and to strict deadlines.
Ability to work as part of a team as well as lone working.
An understanding of and sensitivity to confidential data and the need for security at all times.
Attention to detail and accuracy of output.

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