Featured Job
Database Administrator
Job Summary
**Candidates with strongOracleskills highly encouraged to apply
The Database Administrator will be an integral member of the Database Services team within the Platform Services domain. The Database Administrator will partner with diverse and talented team members to help solve multidimensional information technology problems, improve customer experience, and generate value for our campus stakeholders across a broad base of departments. The Database Administrator role involves supporting databases, including schema definition, structure, and long-range requirements, as well as facilitating the development of documentation, data security measures, and operational guidelines and protection.
The Database Administrator assists the design, creation, optimization, and maintenance of IT databases. The Database Administrator partners with a broad range of customers, partners, and key stakeholders in academic, medical, and research organizations to provide best-in-class database services, profile application workloads, identify application and infrastructure interdependencies, and facilitate the seamless delivery of a secure database environment. The Database Administrator is accountable for implementing and maintaining stringent security protocols. This important task helps protect the University’s data from unauthorized access and potential breaches. This role also serves as the first line of defense to diagnose and resolve issues when database problems arise, ensuring minimal disruption to the University’s operations.
The Database Administrator will positively impact UCSF’s operations and culture by protecting University stakeholders’ information and data in service of the institution’s academic, medical, and research mission. This team member will advance the University’s mission by delivering exceptional security service comprehensively and consistently across faculty, staff, and students. This role will execute UCSF’s vision while modeling UCSF’s culture and values.
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
The salary range for this position is $87,900 - $145,000 (Annual Rate).
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit:https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
Department Description
The Database Administrator will be an integral member of the Database Services team within the Platform Services domain. The Database Administrator will partner with diverse and talented team members to help solve multidimensional information technology problems, improve customer experience, and generate value for our campus stakeholders across a broad base of departments. The Database Administrator role involves supporting databases, including schema definition, structure, and long-range requirements, as well as facilitating the development of documentation, data security measures, and operational guidelines and protection.
The Database Administrator assists the design, creation, optimization, and maintenance of IT databases. The Database Administrator partners with a broad range of customers, partners, and key stakeholders in academic, medical, and research organizations to provide best-in-class database services, profile application workloads, identify application and infrastructure interdependencies, and facilitate the seamless delivery of a secure database environment. The Database Administrator is accountable for implementing and maintaining stringent security protocols. This important task helps protect the University’s data from unauthorized access and potential breaches. This role also serves as the first line of defense to diagnose and resolve issues when database problems arise, ensuring minimal disruption to the University’s operations.
The Database Administrator will positively impact UCSF’s operations and culture by protecting University stakeholders’ information and data in service of the institution’s academic, medical, and research mission. This team member will advance the University’s mission by delivering exceptional security service comprehensively and consistently across faculty, staff, and students. This role will execute UCSF’s vision while modeling UCSF’s culture and values.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of experience/training, in one or more of the following fields: computer science, engineering, computer information systems, etc.
- 1 to 3+ years of experience in information technology, database architecture, or software development.
- Prior experience in database technologies, customer experience services, or higher education. Demonstrated experience with database technologies and services. Provide experience in one or more of the following: Oracle, SQL, MySQL, Postgres SQL, or other.
- Experienced in data modeling and translation of the model into a high-performance physical database design. Fluent proficiency in SQL optimization.
- Experience with Linux/Unix and Windows system administration. Strong skills in PowerShell and/or Unix shell scripting.
- Experience with large design efforts working in cross-functional project teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex IT concepts to a non-technical audience.
- Strong customer service skills and ability to triage and escalate to leadership and management for resolution.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification: Database Administrator (Microsoft, Oracle, or equivalent)
- Demonstrated architecture experience creating a high-volume database for enterprise-grade solutions. Understanding of the attributes and processes of current application development methodologies.
- Knowledge of virtualization techniques and technologies to facilitate the development of highly scalable, multi-tenant SaaS offerings.
- Ability to interpret, analyze, and apply pertinent service level agreements, policies, procedures, regulations, and other requirements, and turn them into actionable outcomes.
- Expertise in database technologies on any of the following: Oracle MS SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Access, and cloud database services.
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available atdiversity.ucsf.edu
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Job Code and Payroll Title
007177 DATABASE ADM 3
Job Category
Clinical Systems / IT Professionals
Bargaining Unit
99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit)
Location
San Francisco, CA
Campus
Mission Center Building (SF)
Shift
Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends
Additional Shift Details
M-F, 8-hour shift. As required after hours, weekend, and escalation support
Freqently Asked Questions
Oracle expertise is highly valued for Database Administrators, especially in environments like UCSF, due to its robustness and enterprise capabilities. While proficiency in SQL, MySQL, or PostgreSQL is beneficial, Oracle skills often open doors to handling complex database structures and performance optimization in large-scale systems.
Managing databases in academic and medical research involves safeguarding sensitive data, ensuring compliance with strict security protocols, and maintaining high availability. DBAs must balance performance tuning with data privacy, navigating complex workflows that support diverse research projects and clinical applications.
At a university, Database Administrators not only handle technical database tasks but also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across education, healthcare, and research sectors. This environment demands a broader understanding of academic workflows, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to advancing institutional missions beyond standard IT operations.
San Francisco's healthcare sector shows increasing demand for skilled Database Administrators who can manage complex, secure data environments. Candidates with healthcare experience and certifications in Oracle or cloud databases find competitive opportunities, reflecting the city’s emphasis on innovation and data-driven patient care.
UCSF offers a salary range between $87,900 and $145,000 annually for Database Administrators, aligning well with San Francisco’s competitive market. This range reflects the specialized skills required, the institution’s prestige, and the need to attract talent capable of managing critical healthcare databases in a costly urban area.
At The University Of California, DBAs engage with a mission-driven environment focusing on health sciences and education, emphasizing data security and collaboration across academia and research. Unlike private tech firms, the role often involves supporting diverse stakeholders and upholding public sector policies and values.
UCSF values continuous learning and often supports certifications like Oracle or Microsoft Database Administrator credentials. The culture promotes skill advancement through exposure to complex, multi-tenant environments and encourages DBAs to stay current with evolving database technologies and compliance standards.
Success in San Francisco’s dynamic IT teams requires strong scripting skills (PowerShell, Unix shell), deep SQL optimization knowledge, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly. Adaptability to diverse projects and customer-focused problem-solving are also essential amid the city’s competitive tech landscape.
A frequent misunderstanding is that DBAs only manage data storage; however, in healthcare education, they also ensure stringent data security, regulatory compliance, and seamless system integration supporting clinical and academic research, making them integral to institutional integrity and mission success.
UCSF’s dedication to equity fosters an inclusive environment where Database Administrators collaborate with diverse teams, enriching problem-solving approaches and innovation. This culture supports professional respect, integrity, and the delivery of culturally competent IT services across its healthcare and academic communities.
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