Principal Research Scientist, Database Systems

MongoDB; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 330,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Flexible paid time off

20 weeks fully-paid parental leave

401(k) plan

Mental health counseling

Job summary

MongoDB is looking for an exceptional researcher specializing in database systems in New York, with expertise in query optimization, storage engines, and performance optimization. You will conduct innovative research and collaborate with engineering teams to enhance MongoDB's products. The role allows for in-office, flexible, or remote options in North America. Competitive salary range of $168,000—$330,000, alongside comprehensive benefits, including equity and paid parental leave.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in large-scale software development problems, particularly databases.
• Proven record of impactful research publications in top-tier conferences.
• Experience in building research prototypes and conducting empirical studies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in query optimization and database systems.
• Design and evaluate novel database architectures.
• Collaborate with Engineering to apply research in products.
• Publish research outcomes in top-tier conferences.

Skills

Query optimization

Database architecture

Performance optimization

Indexing methods

Multicore processing

Distributed systems

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science or related field

Job description

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.

This role can be in‑office, flexible, or based remotely in North America.

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

Other benefits for eligible employees may include: equity, participation in the employee stock purchase program, flexible paid time off, 20 weeks fully‑paid gender‑neutral parental leave, fertility and adoption assistance, 401(k) plan, mental health counseling, access to transgender‑inclusive health insurance coverage, and health benefits offerings. Please note, the base salary range listed below and the benefits in this paragraph are only applicable to U.S.-based candidates.

MongoDB’s base salary range for this role in the U.S. is:

$168,000—$330,000 USD

MongoDB, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and makes all hiring decisions without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.