Lead Cloud Operations Database Architect

Signant Health; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare technology firm is seeking a Lead Cloud Operations Database Architect to design and oversee data architecture for clinical research systems. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in database administration, with deep expertise in MS SQL, Azure SQL, and AWS RDS. Responsibilities include ensuring data security and compliance while working closely with cross-functional teams. The position is critical for advancing clinical research and supporting regulated environments.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in database architecture/administration.
• 5+ years of cloud experience across Azure and AWS.
• Deep expertise in MS SQL, Azure SQL, and AWS RDS.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain enterprise-scale data architectures for clinical trials.
• Own database setup, configuration, and performance tuning.
• Establish database procedures aligned with GxP and FDA regulations.

Skills

Data governance

Cloud security

Database architecture

Automation scripting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

MS SQL Server

Azure SQL

AWS RDS

Terraform

AWS CloudFormation

Job description

About Signant Health

At Signant Health, we help bring life‑changing treatments to patients faster. We are a global evidence generation company that supports clinical trials with smart technology, scientific expertise, and hands‑on operational support — so better data leads to better decisions in healthcare. We embrace AI and advanced technologies to enhance every aspect of what we do, from data analysis to operational efficiency.

Our teams work at the intersection of science, technology, and patient experience, delivering digital solutions powered by AI innovation that make clinical trials more efficient, more accurate, and more accessible around the world. Trusted by leading pharmaceutical companies and CROs, our platforms and services support studies across more than 90 countries and have contributed to hundreds of new drug approvals.

If you are motivated by meaningful work, global impact, and innovation in clinical research and digital health — including the opportunity to work with cutting‑edge AI technologies — you will find purpose and opportunity at Signant Health.

We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Cloud Operations Database Architect to design, implement, and govern enterprise data architecture supporting regulated clinical research systems. This role owns all database‑related aspects across Microsoft Azure and AWS cloud environments, ensuring performance, security, scalability, and compliance with GxP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and ICH‑GCP regulations.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise across MS SQL, Azure SQL, AWS RDS, and Cloud SQL in high‑volume production environments, paired with strong leadership in data governance, architecture design, and lifecycle management for mission‑critical clinical trial platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Architecture & Design
• Design and maintain enterprise‑scale data architectures supporting clinical trial systems
• Ensure high availability, scalability, resilience, and security across Azure and AWS environments
• Database Administration & Operations
• Own database setup, configuration, backup/recovery, replication, and performance tuning
• Support MS SQL Server, Azure SQL, AWS RDS, and Cloud SQL in production environments
• Regulatory Compliance
• Establish and enforce database procedures aligned with GxP and FDA regulations
• Partner with QA/Compliance teams to support audits, validation, and inspections
• Security & Data Integrity
• Implement access controls, encryption, monitoring, and logging to protect sensitive clinical and patient data
• Automation & DevOps Integration
• Automate provisioning, patching, and schema deployments using CI/CD and IaC
• Work with tools such as Terraform, OpenTofu, ARM templates, and AWS CloudFormation
• Cross‑Functional Leadership
• Collaborate with Engineering, Project Management, and Compliance teams to align enterprise data strategies
• Monitoring & Optimization
• Implement proactive alerting, capacity planning, and performance optimization
• Documentation & Standards
• Maintain architecture diagrams, SOPs, and technical documentation to support audits and validation

You’ll need to bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in database architecture/administration
• 5+ years of cloud experience across Azure and AWS
• Deep expertise in MS SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, and AWS RDS
• Proven experience supporting regulated (GxP / FDA) environments
• Strong understanding of data security, governance, and compliance in life sciences or healthcare
• Hands‑on experience with IaC, monitoring platforms (CloudWatch, Azure Monitor), and automation scripting (PowerShell, Python, or Bash)
• Strong communication skills and the ability to partner with cross‑functional technical and clinical teams

Nice to have

• Experience integrating with clinical data systems (CDMS, EDC, LIMS)
• Familiarity with Snowflake, data lakes, and ETL/ELT pipelines
• Cloud certifications such as Azure Database Administrator or AWS Database Specialty

Key Competencies

• Strategic, system‑level thinking
• Strong data integrity and compliance mindset
• Technical leadership and mentoring capability
• Analytical problem‑solving
• Effective cross‑team communication

Why Signant Health?

At Signant Health, your work has real impact. Everything we build, support, and deliver helps advance clinical research and bring new treatments to patients faster — improving lives around the world. Our teams combine science, technology, and operational expertise to solve complex clinical trial challenges, and every role contributes to that mission.

We offer a collaborative, global environment where you can grow your career while working alongside experts across clinical, technology, data, and operations, with opportunities to learn, take ownership, and drive meaningful innovation — not just maintain the status quo.

If you are looking for purpose‑driven work, smart colleagues, and the opportunity to help shape the future of clinical research and digital health, Signant Health is the place to do it.

At Signant Health, accepting difference isn’t enough—we celebrate it, we support it, and we nurture it for the benefit of our team members, our clients and our community. Signant Health is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.