Database Programmer

The Organisation

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. This role will be within the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), a centre of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

Purpose of Role

The main role of the Database Programmer is to design, develop and support relational and transactional database management systems. Working alongside other developers, the role will involve the development of databases and associated processes; contributing to the development of other tools, and the support and maintenance of databases and related technical products. The creation and maintenance of system documentation, technical reports, test plans and other technical documentation will also be required.

Key responsibilities:

-Design, Develop and Support Relational and Transactional DBMS

Design, develop, test and implement database systems as required to facilitate the management of electronic healthcare data. The processes will involve designing and implementing complex stored procedures, views and triggers to ensure the data is transformed into a form that can be used for research purposes. Developed products will require pilot-testing and implementation into production systems

-Development of SQL processes to provide higher degrees of automation

Develop SQL processes to automate the collection and transformation of electronic healthcare data into a database that can be used for research purposes. This will be carried out by familiarisation of the current processes followed by requirement gathering from key stakeholders in order to document and design the development process within project timelines.

-Contribution to the development of other tools and processes which require or would benefit from database processing using SQL

Contributing to the design and development of data processing, storage and curation systems where there is a role for database manipulation using SQL. Learnings from current SQL data management processes will be used as well as requirement gathering from key stakeholders, to contribute to the documentation, design and development of systems according to specified project timelines.

-Support and maintenance of technical products

Provide on-going support and maintenance of existing SQL products and potentially other products developed within Visual Studio, linking to SQL server; Actively participate in improving the SQL server estate; Investigate and resolve database performance issues; working within the team to increase functionality, efficiency, and reliability. Emphasis on efficient data processing and performance optimisation due to large data volumes involved. Carry out business as usual when required to meet the needs of the business.

-Creation and implementation of testing regimes

Design and implementation of thorough and vigorous testing regimes for developed products to ensure reliability and robustness, prior to deployment.

-Creation of system documentation, including technical reports and user guides

Create well written, clear system and procedural documentation for developed products including technical specifications, development plans, testing plans, software validation and performance benchmarking reports, technical system descriptions, and high quality user guides. All program code should be commented appropriately.

How to apply:

You can apply for this position by clicking the APPLY button.

Please ensure to review the full job description and competencies in relation to this position prior to applying. Applicants will be expected to meet and address all the competencies in order to be shortlisted for the interview stage.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified people regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, politics or disability.
All civil servants work within the boundaries of the Civil Service Code. The Code sets out the duties and responsibilities of all civil servants. Please click on the link for more information:

The closing date for applications is 23rd September 2015