The Cloud Data Architect is responsible for designing, developing and maintaining a unified data architecture that forms the foundation of VCU Health’s data estate. The architect will balance hands-on technical expertise with strategic thinking to deliver scalable, secure, and innovative solutions that meet enterprise goals.
This role collaborates with Enterprise Analytics leadership, partners with data engineers, analysts and subject matter experts from cross-functional clinical/business areas to define standardized data models and ensure that the models are optimized to support data driven decision making.
Essential Job Statements
Leads the development of scalable and efficient data architectures by designing conceptual, logical and physical data models, storage solutions, and data integration processes on Cloud based Data Management platform.
Designs, develops, and coordinates the integration of diverse data sources into a cohesive Data Lakehouse environment, ensuring quality, security and data privacy.
Leads the development and maintenance of comprehensive documentation of data architecture, including reference architecture, design specifications, and data flow processes.
Defines, and implements and orchestrates the best practices and standards for data integrity, data quality, metadata and master data management, and data lifecycle optimization.
Coordinates with other Enterprise Analytics teams members to define the data management strategy and roadmap for the organization
Stays current with industry trends, vendor product offerings, and emerging tech to ensure the organization leverages the best modern data management tools
Leads the design of systems with a focus on scalability, performance optimization, and cost-efficiency in the cloud environment.
Provides data management and architecture thought leadership to cross-functional teams in the areas of advanced data techniques, including data modeling, data access, data integration, data visualization, data discovery, database design and implementation.
Responsible for maintaining legacy technologies and processes as new ones are adopted.
Mentors junior Data Architects.
Patient Population: N/A
Employment Qualifications
Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, IT, Math, Data Analytics, Engineering, or related discipline
Preferred Education: Master’s degree in Business, IT, Math, Data Analytics, Engineering or related discipline
Licensing/ Certification
Licensure/Certification Required: N/A
Licensure/Certification Preferred: N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Years and Type of Required Experience: 8+ years of experience in Database design principles, Data Modeling and Data Warehousing including experience with SQL and NoSQL databases and Big Data technologies. 5+ years of experience in Python/PySpark for building and maintaining data pipelines. 3+ years of experience with cloud based modern data platforms and services (e.g., Azure, GCP or AWS).
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Expert knowledge in database systems, data modeling techniques, and SQL proficiency. Significant experience working with JSON/YAML/XML/Parquet and other open-source data interchange and storage formats. Strong knowledge of Master data and Metadata management and data governance principles. Experience working with big data technologies like Spark, Kafka, NoSQL DB, Splunk etc. Significant experience with agile development processes and concepts. Strong knowledge of DevOps practices and CI/CD processes. Knowledge of Microservices architecture, Data Product and Data Mesh concepts.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Displays intellectual curiosity and integrity. Experience in healthcare environment.
Combination of education and experience in lieu of a degree.
Working Conditions: N/A
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands: N/A
Work Position: Sitting
Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards
Physical Requirements: N/A
Hazards: N/A
Mental/Sensory – Emotional
Mental/Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change
EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.
Top Skills
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Boston Tech Scene
Key Facts About Boston Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 269,000; 9.4% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Toast, Klaviyo, HubSpot, DraftKings
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, software, aerospace
- Funding Landscape: $15.7 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Summit Partners, Volition Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, MassVentures, Highland Capital Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: MIT, Harvard University, Boston College, Tufts University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, National Bureau of Economic Research, Broad Institute, Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories
