Database Systems Researcher

OpenTalent; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

MongoDB Research is seeking an exceptional researcher in database systems to advance query optimization, indexing, storage engines, and multicore processing. The role involves designing high-performance database architectures, prototyping innovative systems, and collaborating with engineering to deploy research outcomes in MongoDB products.

The candidate will publish widely in leading venues, mentor a small research team, and shape the research agenda to impact product strategy and scalability

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or closely related field with database systems focus.
• 12+ years of experience applying CS concepts to large-scale software systems, including databases and distributed systems.
• Proven publications in top-tier database and systems venues.
• Strong expertise in query optimization, data structures, and high-performance DB architectures.
• Background in performance engineering and hardware-aware optimization.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research in query optimization, indexing, storage engines, and performance.
• Design, prototype and evaluate database systems leveraging SIMD, GPU acceleration, and multicore processing.
• Collaborate with Engineering to translate research to practical commercial solutions.
• Publish influential results in VLDB, SIGMOD, and other top conferences/journals.
• Build and mentor a small Database Systems research group within 1–2 years.

Skills

Query optimization

Indexing

Storage engines

Multicore processing

Performance engineering

Hardware-aware optimizations

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Job description

About the Role

The mission of MongoDB Research is to advance the state of the art in database systems by conducting fundamental and applied research that directly impacts MongoDB's products. Our goal is to foster innovation that benefits MongoDB by addressing critical challenges in data management, performance optimization, security, scalability, and usability. Through collaboration, publication, and active engagement with leading research institutions, we strive to shape the future of database technology and ensure MongoDB remains at the forefront of innovation.

We seek an exceptional researcher specializing in database systems with particular expertise in database architecture, including query optimization, storage engines, indexing, and multicore processing. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong track record in designing and implementing highly performant database systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research in query optimization, indexing methods, storage engines, and performance optimization.
• Design, prototype, and empirically evaluate novel database systems and architectures that leverage modern hardware features, such as SIMD parallelism, GPU acceleration, and multicore processing.
• Collaborate closely with our Engineering teams to translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions applicable in commercial database products.
• Publish influential research outcomes in top-tier database and systems conferences and journals (e.g., VLDB, SIGMOD).
• Build a Database Systems research group with a critical mass of 2-3 researchers over the next 1-2 years.
• Mentor junior researchers, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field with a specialization in database systems.
• 12+ years of experience applying computer science concepts to large scale software development problems, including databases and distributed systems.
• Proven track record of impactful research publications in top-tier database and systems conferences and journals.
• Demonstrated expertise in query optimization, efficient data structures, and high-performance database architectures.
• Strong background in performance engineering, hardware-aware optimizations, and database engine internals.
• Experience in building research prototypes and conducting rigorous empirical studies to validate theoretical models.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams.

Success Metrics

• Within the first three months, you will have established working relationships with key stakeholders across Product and Engineering.
• Within the first six months, you will have completed a review of the company’s database roadmap and identified opportunities for research impact. You will have established a clear research agenda for the team.
• Within the first twelve months, you will have successfully attracted and interviewed researchers to join the team.