Research Database Administrator Senior

Requisition Number: RE54760

Working Title
Applications Analyst Lead

Department Name: 40151:Information Services

Work Location: Lexington, KY

Grade Level: 48

Salary Range: $62,941-103,834/year

Type of Position: Staff

Required Education: BS

Click here for more information about equivalencies
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience: 6 yrs

Physical Requirements

sitting for long periods of time; repetitive motion related to computer work

Shift

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Database Administrator Senior to join our Research Information Services (RIS) team within Information Technology Services. In this role, you will play a critical part in supporting the database infrastructure that powers research operations across the university. This position is part of UK’s evolving IT strategy and will report through the Technology Services department in Beyond Blue effective July 1, 2026.

You’ll oversee the administration, development, and optimization of SQL Server environments that support enterprise research systems ensuring reliability, security, and high performance for the faculty, staff, and research teams who depend on them.

What You’ll Do

• Manage installation, upgrades, configuration, and optimization of SQL Server databases and related application tools
• Allocate system storage, monitor performance, and ensure efficient use of CPU, memory, I/O, and other database resources
• Create and maintain database users, roles, and security controls to protect sensitive research and financial data
• Design, test, and maintain database backup and recovery processes
• Develop and maintain SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) packages for data transformation and integration
• Support the Research Enterprise data warehouse and reporting database infrastructure
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to performance, integrity, blocking/deadlocks, connectivity, logging, and security
• Collaborate with application developers to design, modify, and optimize database structures
• Stay current with emerging database technologies and maintain a high standard of professional conduct

What You’ll Bring

• Deep experience with MS-SQL, tSQL, SSIS, and SQL Server administration
• Strong troubleshooting skills across performance tuning, integrity checks, indexing, and resource optimization
• Familiarity with tools such as Red-Gate, IDERA, SQL Sentry, and SQL Management Studio
• Ability to work independently and make complex decisions with minimal oversight
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset
• Experience supporting enterprise-level databases in a fast-paced environment

What’s In It for You

• High-impact work: Support the database systems that enable research across the university
• Technical depth: Work with advanced SQL Server tools, data warehousing, and enterprise integrations
• Professional growth: Opportunities to expand your expertise in database engineering, performance tuning, and research IT
• Collaborative environment: Join a knowledgeable, supportive RIS team committed to service excellence
• Stability and balance: Full-time, primarily daytime schedule with hybrid eligibility
• Comprehensive benefits: Competitive salary, retirement, health coverage, and professional development resources

Why Now?

As UK continues to expand its research portfolio and modernize its data infrastructure, this role is essential to ensuring secure, reliable, and high-performing database systems.

In this position, you will help:

• Maintain continuity of critical research services as the team transitions from a retiring senior DBA
• Support evolving data integration, warehousing, and reporting needs
• Strengthen the university’s ability to manage and protect sensitive research information

You’ll join at a pivotal moment. Your expertise will directly support the research mission of one of the nation’s leading public universities.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?: No

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking. a

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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