Systems Analyst II

Celebrating six decades of Making Cancer History, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is located in Houston on the sprawling campus of the Texas Medical Center. It is one of the world's most respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention.

M. D. Anderson was created by the Texas Legislature in 1941 as a component of The University of Texas System, and the faculty numbers 947 - both M.D.s and Ph.D.s. M. D. Anderson is one of the nation's original three Comprehensive Cancer Centers designated by the National Cancer Act of 1971 and is one of 39 such centers today.

M. D. Anderson ranks among the nation's top two cancer hospitals in U.S. News & World Reports 'America's Best Hospitals' survey since its inception 13 years ago.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Systems Analyst II
Clinical Operations Informatics Department

SUMMARY

Function

The Systems Analyst II provides analysis of business and management requirements in terms of decision support and data warehouse systems maximizing efficient programming techniques, business analysis, and effective communications.

Scope

Responsible for complex technical and business analysis in a variety of programming projects. Responsibilities include analysis and evaluation of alternative solutions, program design, programming, testing, and creation of system documentation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

' Develops programming and system solutions in accordance with institutional guidelines. Programming tasks include feasibility, design, programming, testing, documentation, and implementation. System solutions include coordinating activities between customers and departments within the Information System Division.

' Designs web-based applications using Institutional program development standard tools (Cold Fusion) and incorporates the use of (and understanding of) complex queries using structure query language (SQL).

' Conducts and documents programming tests which check results of programs against known solutions.

' Advises on proper programming techniques and assists in programming of complex problems; checks programs for logical sequence of operation and possible errors

' Assists in development, maintenance and support of departmental systems.

' Participates with Institutional departments to obtain requirements and to develop programming specifications, which meet customer requirements.

' Provides problem-solving expertise including the formulation and testing of hypothesis and the complex analysis of data.

' Considers and integrates change control, disaster recovery, and security in all system activities in accordance with Institutional Guidelines.

' Coordinates activities between Decision Support, Strategic Analysis and data warehousing functions as needed

' Maintains and expands working knowledge of technical tools available to implement solutions.

' Participate in data quality programs, which addresses work processes that affect the quality of data entered and stored by various institutional systems.

' Supports the creation, maintenance, or updates of various databases for a production environment including appropriate documentation and data dictionary as needed (e.g. Physician Recredentialing, clinical departmental quality indicators, practice outcomes databases, etc. )

' Periodic responsibilities include special projects as required to meet departmental and institutional needs.

' Expand working knowledge of web based development, databases, and data warehouse concepts.

Characteristics

The Systems Analyst II must demonstrate the following characteristics:

' Extensive analytical skills with heavy healthcare aptitude
' Demonstrates ability and working knowledge of personal computer tools such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, statistical and graphical tools.
' Demonstrated problem-solving skills
' Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present ideas when necessary
' Detail oriented with the ability to follow through to completion
' Dependable and flexible
' Team player and ability to function as a team leader


SUPERVISION

Given: None
Received: Clinical Operations Informatics Director, Clinical Decision Support Manager

EQUIPMENT

Required: Knowledge of the capabilities of PC, medium to large scale computers and related peripherals.

Preferred: Knowledge of specific hardware and software in use at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelors degree with a major in computer science, accounting, business, healthcare, mathematics, or related field. Experience may substitute for degree.

Preferred: Degree plus some graduate work.

EXPERIENCE

Required: Seven years of experience in analysis, design, project management, and programming with a minimum of two years in systems analysis and the remainder in programming.

Preferred: The required experience plus two years supervisory experience.

TECHNICAL

Required: Experience with web based application development, Microsoft operating systems and office suite applications, SQL and relational database applications such as Oracle or SQL Server, UNIX or UNIX administration. An understanding of data warehouse and network communication technologies.

Preferred: Experience in business intelligence applications and associated data warehousing products.

OTHER

Required: Solid written and verbal communication skills; interactive people skills.
Outstanding team player.