Job Description
We have an exciting opportunity for a Database Engineer at UL Research Institutes' Chemical Insights Research Institute, based in our Research Triangle Park, NC facilities. The Database Engineer manages database systems in cloud and on-premises environments in support of Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes’ (ULRI) Chemical Insights mission to provide unbiased research on chemicals and their risks to people’s health. The role focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of large research databases containing chemistry, toxicology, and exposure information. The Database Engineer ensures data reliability, performance, security, and availability, working closely with researchers, software developers, and data scientists to support data-driven research and analytical initiatives.
UL Research Institutes:
At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.
Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI):
The Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) contributes to the protection of public health and well-being by conducting scientific research. Our research and initiatives let people around the world know what chemicals are in the air we breathe and how they affect human health and the planet. We share our research and knowledge through information and application tools with leaders in the scientific, business, and policy communities to raise awareness of human health risks stemming from emerging technologies. To learn more, visit: chemicalinsights.org/
What you’ll learn and achieve:
As the Database Engineer you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:
Administer and maintain Azure SQL, PostgreSQL, Cosmos databases in Azure and on-premises environments, including configuration, monitoring, tuning, patching, and upgrades.
Manage database performance, availability, backup, and recovery to ensure operational reliability.
Implement user access control, auditing, and database security best practices.
Support data integration and migration between local systems and Azure platforms.
Develop and manage data pipelines using Azure Data Factory or related tools for data ingestion and transformation.
Assist in implementing and maintaining database solutions using Azure SQL, Cosmos, PostgreSQL, and other Azure data services.
Collaborate with researchers, data scientists, and software engineers to ensure data systems support analytical and application requirements.
Document database configurations, environments, and operational procedures.
Maintain familiarity with data architecture concepts, data flows, and governance principles
Stay informed of new releases, updates, and best practices for Azure SQL, PostgreSQL, Cosmos, and Azure data technologies.
Perform other duties as assigned.
What you’ll experience working at UL Research Institutes: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.
People: Our people make us special. You’ll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today’s global challenges require.
Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what’s on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You’ll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.
Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.
Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.
Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.
What makes you a great fit:
While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:
Strong working knowledge of Azure SQL, PostgreSQL and Cosmos administration, performance tuning, and backup management.
Proficiency with Azure data tools such as Data Factory, Azure SQL Database, Synapse Analytics, and Blob Storage.
Understanding of data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, and basic data architecture principles.
Proficiency in SQL and familiarity with scripting languages such as Python or PowerShell for automation.
Knowledge of database security, access management, and compliance practices.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Self-motivated with a strong commitment to data reliability and quality.
Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field and a minimum of 6 years of experience in database administration or data engineering; or
Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field and a minimum of 4 years of experience in database administration or data engineering.
Hands-on experience managing PostgreSQL, Azure SQL, and Cosmos databases in production environments.
Familiarity with Azure data engineering tools and services.
Experience working with data pipelines and hybrid (cloud and on-premises) data environments preferred.
Experience supporting research or analytics environments is a plus.
About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement
UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.
Our affiliate, UL Solutions, stands alongside us in working for a safer and more sustainable world. UL Solutions conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools, for customers around the world.
To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.
Salary Range:
$89,602.01-$123,202.76Pay Type:
Salary