Systems Programmer/Specialist

Monday through Friday, but can vary between 8:00AM and 5:00PM.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

The purpose of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science ( EXSS) is to discover, create and promote knowledge of human movement to improve the quality of life of individuals and society. This will be accomplished by establishing and maintaining well-funded research programs with a high-quality, productive research faculty who are committed to the research mission of UNC Chapel Hill and EXSS. The department provides leadership in teaching, research, and scholarship in the discipline of physical education, exercise and sport science. A major commitment of the department is to discover, interpret, disseminate, and apply discipline specific knowledge to the university, state, national, and international communities. The department pursues excellence in educational programs including physical activity instruction, undergraduate academic and graduate academic programs. The mission of EXSS is further enhanced through interdisciplinary cooperation and departmental faculty securing competitive extramural funding in the form of contracts and grants. These endeavors enable the department to advance knowledge and thus serve the state and nation.

The Matthew Gfeller Center and the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes are housed within the Department of Exercise and Sport Science. The mission of the Matthew Gfeller Center is to improve the prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of sport-related traumatic brain injuries through research, education, and clinical practice. The Matthew Gfeller Center is a diverse and inclusive team exceeding 25 individuals. These core faculty, staff, and trainees are supported by extramural research grants and contracts totaling approximately $10M.

This is a 4-month temporary position.

This position will support multiple projects in the Matthew Gfeller Center. Primary Responsibilities will include:

Data Ingestion & Integration
* Oversee efforts to identify and implement metadata structures and processes that enable seamless integration of data from diverse sources via ETL pipelines.
* Ensure consistent identification and use of common data elements (CDEs) across datasets.
* Collaborate with development teams to guide the generation of synthetic data, with attention to ensuring alignment with real-world or intended-world distributions and characteristics.

Data Processing & Transformation
* Lead strategy and oversight for the processing and transformation of data post-ingestion, including data cleaning, quality assurance, harmonization, and synchronization.
* Champion the development of innovative data formats (e.g., knowledge graphs) to support advanced querying, exploration, and visualization by end users.
* Monitor the generation of realistic synthetic data to ensure its fidelity and utility.

Data Storage & Lakehouse Architecture
* Provide oversight for the implementation and evolution of a scalable Lakehouse architecture.
* Anticipate future data sources and define strategies for efficient ingestion, integration, and storage.
* Partner with the development team to build infrastructure that supports both current and emergent data needs.

Additional responsibilities may include:

Custom Model Integration
* Lead the planning and integration of custom models interfacing with diverse data types including EHRs, digital questionnaires, sensor data, and multimedia content.
* Support the design of automated ingestion and processing pipelines that leverage both rule-based and ML-driven approaches.

Data Access & Analytics
* Guide strategy for user-centered data access, including defining user personas, access levels, and usage modalities.
* Ensure the repository adheres to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles to maximize utility and impact.

Security & Governance
* Provide strategic oversight of data governance policies and practices.
* Support development of secure data cataloging and access control mechanisms, leveraging automation wherever feasible.

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or closely related degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in operations analysis and design, systems programming, or closely related area; or a
- Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of experience in operations analysis and design, systems programming or closely related area; or an Associate's degree in Computer Information Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, or Networking Technology from an appropriately accredited institution and five years of experience in operations analysis and design, systems programming, or closely related area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Journey level requires an additional one year of education or experience.
- Advanced level requires an additional two years of education or experience.

Excellent attention to detail
Strong verbal and written communication skills

Excellent critical thinking & problem-solving skills

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.