Database developer and manager supporting agricultural research

The Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University is looking for 1-2 skilled database developers to participate in developing data services that accelerate the generation of new scientific insights and international collaboration based on our data.

If database management and development excite you and you seek to work in a changing, highly international, and creative research environment, we encourage you to apply. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in MS SQL Server and MS Access, with experience in migrating Access databases to MS SQL Server and developing various interfaces for data ingest and retrieval. Proficiency in web development will be beneficial.

Position Available: From 1 December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.


About the department              

We acquire diverse data from laboratories, greenhouses, field-scale research facilities, automated sensors, robots, drones, satellites, etc. so our data collections are diverse, large, and growing. Many of them are relational databases used for, e.g., process-based modelling and geospatial data analyses.

We contribute to sustainable solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems within the areas of soil, plants, animals, humans, and the environment. We make a difference in the green transition by contributing fundamental knowledge and by supporting the attainment of sustainable production systems via innovative research, contracted policy advice, and education. The department comprises eight research sections with over 300 highly dedicated national and international employees. More information can be found here.

We believe in promoting inclusion, acceptance and understanding by hiring people who bring new perspectives to our department.


About the job

You will be part of a specialist team supporting researchers in data management, analysis, statistics, and database design and handling. Specifically in supporting our database infrastructures, you will have 2-3 experienced colleagues to collaborate and spare with. Within this setting, you will have great opportunities to exhibit creativity in broadening the usage of our data internationally.

Your main responsibilities and tasks:

• Develop and maintain user interfaces in MS Access for data entry and retrieval.
• Convert existing MS Access databases – or even Excel spreadsheets – to MS SQL Server databases.
• Optimize database performance and ensure data integrity.
• Manage and maintain existing MS SQL Server and MS Access databases.
• Document database structures, processes, and user guides.
• Create APIs for external data access and integration and collaborate with the scientific staff to understand requirements and provide technical support.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Relevant IT professional education, preferably at least an AP Graduate in Computer Science (datamatiker).
• Theoretical background and practical experience working with MS Access and MS SQL Server databases, including design, management, optimization, and migration.
• Good documentation abilities (in English).
• Service-minded attitude, flexibility, and a collaborative approach to working in a team.
• Proficient in English communication, sufficient to understand technical requirements and articulate related concepts with researchers.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of API development and data integration using RESTful services.
• Experience in web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, standard formats for data representation such as JSON, XML, frameworks such as ASP.NET, Django, or similar).
• Proficiency in at least one backend programming language (Python, PHP, C#, Java).

What we offer

• An exciting and varied working environment where no two days are alike.
• Many opportunities for professional development, such as the possibility of taking on new roles, and doing on-the-job learning, e.g., developing expertise in emerging technologies.
• An informal and multicultural research environment with high professionalism.
• A good social environment with both on-the-job and leisure activities that strengthen working relationships and promote employee well-being.
• A good work-life balance with e.g. flexible scheduling and the possibility of partly remote work.
• A gorgeous nature right outside your office window.

Workplace

Your workplace will be at the Department of Agroecology, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele.


Contact information

If you have questions about the position, please contact Margit Styrbæk Jørgensen, +45 2234 8865, [email protected], or Mette Balslev Greve, +45 2320 9924, [email protected].

You may choose to submit your application and CV in Danish, and the interview can also be conducted in Danish. 

Formalities and salary range

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/