Role Snapshot
Senior Database Administrator role supporting research operations at University of Kentucky by managing SQL Server environments that power enterprise research systems. Critical position ensuring reliability, security, and high performance for faculty, staff, and research teams.
Key Responsibilities: Oversee installation, upgrades, configuration, and optimization of SQL Server databases; manage users, roles, and security controls; design and maintain backup/recovery processes and SSIS packages. Troubleshoot performance issues, support data warehouse infrastructure, and collaborate with developers on database optimization.
Skills & Tools: Deep expertise in MS-SQL, tSQL, SSIS, and SQL Server administration with strong troubleshooting capabilities in performance tuning, indexing, and resource optimization. Proficiency with tools such as Red-Gate, IDERA, SQL Sentry, and SQL Management Studio; excellent communication and independent decision-making abilities.
Qualifications: Extensive experience managing enterprise-level databases in fast-paced environments with demonstrated SQL Server administration expertise. Advanced knowledge of data warehousing, performance tuning, and research IT infrastructure.
Location: In-Person
Compensation: $95K–$135K/yr (estimated)
Job Description
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.