University of Cambridge
Principal Application Specialist (Cognos/DataMart Developer) (Fixed Term)
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About the Role
The Finance and HR departments at the University enhances their reports with IBM Cognos Analytics reports. The design of the DataMarts uses dimensional modelling, largely using ETL. Oracle PL/SQL is the predominant tool in building the DataMarts, but there is some ODI use, primarily for scheduling builds.
The Principal Application Specialist will take a leading role in Oracle data engineering, supporting system integrations and reporting processes. The role holder will work closely with stakeholders across the University to ensure that data contained within enterprise systems is surfaced reliably and consistently, collaborating with developers and system maintainers to support system integrations and federated reporting. The role holder will help build a taxonomy of information concepts and data entities which are relied upon for critical University business - helping to document the existing data landscape and connect the dots between business process and data engineering. The role holder will lead a combination of 2nd/3rd line operational support and project and programme activities in line with strategic initiatives.
What You Will Be Doing
- Be a subject matter expert in the DataMart Reporting applications within assigned business areas.
- Lead the development of new ETL pipelines using Oracle Data Integrator and PL/SQL to extract and transform data sourced from enterprise systems into the University's managed Oracle DataMart.
- Review business requirements and use these to design and develop suitable technical software solutions using a wide variety of methods, software products and software tools.
- Oversee testing of completed software, e.g. through user training, and the production of documentation.
- Migrate fixes, patches and other developments between development environments in accordance with relevant change control processes.
- Provide quality assurance for data extract and transform activities, reviewing pipelines and documentation to ensure that data lineage is ensured.
- Support the operational availability of the data engineering technology stack, leading patching activities, resolving technical debt and contributing to improved observability and monitoring of pipelines.
- Provide 2nd and 3rd line support for data load and transform activities supporting system integrations and reporting, including operational oversight of the University's IBM Cognos instance.
- Document the existing data engineering landscape, information architecture and data entities, and contributing to the backlog of continuous improvement activities.
- Drive organizational evolution by enhancing operational efficiency, expanding automation capabilities, and systematically minimizing technical debt.
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What You Will Bring
- Experience of ODI version 12.2.4.1 or above.
- In-depth knowledge of Oracle PL/SQL. In particular, the ability to analyse and quickly correct DataMart build issues.
- A good understanding of DataMart design.
- Able to create and maintain IBM Cognos Framework Manager models/packages.
It Would Be Great If You Had
- Ability to learn new skills independently and proactively and are constantly striving to raise technical excellence.
- Ability to debug complex problems effectively, including in new unexplored applications.
- Drive and commitment to see activities through to completion meeting deadlines matching pace to the urgency of the situation.
- Ensure that business requirements and processes are fully understood and clearly documented.
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Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role on the online Application form.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
The closing date for applications is: Sunday 18th October 2026
The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed
Please quote reference VC51313 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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