Principal Data Architect (Research)

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Job Summary

The Principal Data Architect provides principal-level data architecture leadership for the research domain by designing and governing scalable, secure, and research-ready data structures that support analytics, artificial intelligence, and regulatory-compliant data use. Translates complex clinical and operational data, including Epic Clarity and Caboodle, into usable models and curated datasets for research and advanced analysis. This position reports to the Manager, Data Analytics (Research) and is expected to provide formal mentorship to peers and junior team members.

Research Data Platform Architecture

- Design the enterprise research data platform, including lakehouse architecture, to support secure, scalable storage, processing, and analytics.
- Define architecture standards for data ingestion, transformation, curation, and publication across research data domains.
- Translate Epic Clarity and Caboodle source structures into research-ready architectural patterns and reusable platform components.
- Establish cloud-native architecture that supports security, resilience, performance, and regulatory requirements.
- Align platform roadmap and design decisions to enterprise data strategy, research priorities, and stakeholder requirements.

Data Modeling and Clinical Data Translation

- Develop dimensional and normalized data models that support research reporting, analysis, and reuse.
- Translate clinical, operational, device, and waveform data into structured, research-ready datasets and semantic layers.
- Define canonical data models and shared business definitions to promote consistency across research subject areas.
- Apply interoperability standards, including OMOP, to improve comparability, reuse, and external research collaboration.
- Maintain model integrity and consistency across curated datasets, marts, and downstream analytical assets.

Data Governance and Regulatory Compliance

- Establish governance frameworks that define data lineage, stewardship, access controls, retention, and accountability.
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA, institutional review board requirements, and organizational policies governing research data use.
- Define and apply de-identification, privacy, and security strategies for protected health information and sensitive research data.
- Direct data quality processes, validation controls, and stewardship practices to protect accuracy, completeness, and trust.
- Partner with compliance, legal, privacy, and research administration stakeholders to operationalize governance requirements.

Advanced Analytics and AI Enablement

- Design data pipelines and platform services that support machine learning, generative AI, and advanced analytics use cases.
- Structure and optimize datasets for model training, validation, inference, and controlled experimentation.
- Enable scalable analytical environments that support repeatable research workflows, exploratory analysis, and innovation.
- Support research teams in evaluating complex analytical use cases and selecting appropriate data design approaches.
- Define architecture standards that promote responsible AI, reproducibility, transparency, and appropriate model governance.

Technical Leadership and Mentorship

- Mentor engineers, architects, and analysts on data architecture, modeling, governance, and research data design practices.
- Influence enterprise data standards and architectural direction through design reviews, standards development, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Collaborate with information technology, clinical, operational, and research stakeholders to guide implementation decisions.
- Review technical designs and recommend architecture patterns that improve scalability, maintainability, and compliance.
- Promote adoption of modern data architecture methods, tools, and delivery practices across the enterprise research ecosystem.

Qualifications:

- Bachelors degree in related field, Masters preferred
- 5+ years of job related experience
- While this position is remote, we’re only able to hire candidates who reside in Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, Michigan, or Colorado.

Core Competencies
These competencies reflect the values and behaviors expected of all Grady team members, regardless of role. They ensure that every employee contributes to safe, high-quality care, positive patient experience, and a collaborative work environment.

1. Patient-Centered Care – Demonstrates a commitment to delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality care that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of patients and their families.
2.  Integrity & Accountability – Acts ethically, maintains confidentiality, and accepts responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes.
3.  Collaboration & Teamwork – Builds positive relationships, works effectively across departments, and supports colleagues to achieve shared goals.
4. Communication – Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with patients, families, colleagues, and leadership.
5.  Respect & Inclusion – Creates an inclusive environment by valuing diversity, treating others with dignity, and ensuring equitable care and opportunities for all.
6. Quality & Safety – Adheres to best practices, regulatory standards, and policies to ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality outcomes.
7. Adaptability & Resilience – Responds effectively to change, remains flexible in dynamic situations, and demonstrates resilience under pressure.
8. Continuous Improvement – Seeks opportunities to improve processes, skills, and outcomes through innovation, learning, and feedback.
9. Leadership & Professionalism – Inspires, guides, and develops individuals and teams while modeling professionalism, fairness, and transparency.
10. Employee Experience Focus – Champions a supportive and engaging employee journey that enables staff to thrive and, in turn, deliver exceptional patient care.

Grady Total Rewards
At Grady, we believe in supporting the health, well-being, and growth of every team member. Our Total Rewards package is designed to provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits that make a difference in your life and career, including:

- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
- Financial Security: Retirement savings plans with employer contributions, life insurance, and disability coverage.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, holidays, and family leave benefits.
- Career Growth: Tuition reimbursement, professional development programs, and opportunities for advancement.
- Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and discounts on services.

Grady’s Total Rewards are designed to ensure our employees feel valued, supported, and empowered, both at work and beyond.

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Why Join Grady?
Grady Health System is more than a hospital — we are a vital part of Atlanta and the surrounding communities. For over 125 years, Grady has been committed to providing exceptional care, advancing health equity, and making a difference in the lives of those we serve. When you join Grady, you become part of a team that values excellence, compassion, innovation, and collaboration.

Here, every role matters. Whether you provide direct patient care, support our operations, or lead teams, you play an important part in fulfilling our mission. We offer opportunities to learn, grow, and build a meaningful career in an environment where your contributions are recognized and valued.

At Grady, we don’t just work,  we make an impact.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Grady Health System is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a workforce where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Grady is dedicated to creating an accessible work environment and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equitable opportunities for success.