IT Applications Systems Analyst

Job Title: IT Applications Systems Analyst
Location: Houston, TX 77030
Type: 3 Months Contract
 
must be located onsite
must be able to take after hours calls on a rotational basis
must be onsite Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
 
SUMMARY 
The IT Application Systems Analyst is responsible for providing technical production support and system administration to ensure optimum system performance and resolution of technical issues that impacts the utilization of applications/systems throughout the institution. The IT Application Systems Analyst provides technical expertise in defining, developing, implementing, and supporting Anatomic Pathology solutions for business/clinical applications at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center specific to Laboratory Information Systems. 

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES 
Application support and maintenance for multiple software applications 
• Identifies and resolves application issues effectively and in a timely manner. 
• Proactively assesses system functioning and is able to recognize impending problems and correct them before work processes are disrupted. 
• Implements software upgrades as available and necessary. 
• Analyzes application needs in the laboratory and configures current applications or develops new applications to support them. Incorporates feedback from the appropriate departmental personnel as applications are configured or developed. 
• Seeks input from other MDACC technical resources and/or vendor input to resolve application issues when appropriate. 
• Develops expertise in the applications used in the supported departments. Becomes knowledgeable regarding the departmental work processes and the overall IS environment in the department. Uses this knowledge to ensure that systems operation contributes to optimization of work processes and patient care. 
• Creates and maintains thorough electronic documentation regarding software applications and technical environment. 
• Develops and enforces system standards to comply with governmental regulations and institutional Policies and Procedures. 
• Recognizes the nature of system issues that arise and notifies the appropriate IS organization as needed. Facilitates priority response from the various IS organizations to resolve issues that result in downtime for end- users who are involved in direct patient care or other mission-critical activities. 
• Coordinates and participates in the development of plans for contingency, back out, and recovery, as well as conversions/cut-overs. 
• Provides end user application support during the hours of operation, including after hours on call support. 
• Responds to support calls in a timely manner, providing priority response to support calls from users who are involved in direct patient care or other mission-critical activities. 
• Supports end-users by answering their questions, assisting them in using the applications appropriately, and troubleshooting application issues that they report. 
• Learns and understands laboratories business needs. 
• Uses knowledge of the applications to leverage its functionality to support customer needs. 

Participation and leadership in systems implementation. 
• Leverages knowledge of current application environment in all project activities 
• Provides input into or may lead the development of milestones, deliverables, project plans and timelines to assure that application specific tasks/aspects are addressed. 
• Participates in the design and configuration or development of custom input forms, screens, tables, databases, system outputs, and interfaces that meet the business needs of the customer. 
• Gathers and documents custom application requirements to meet end user needs. 
• Develops and maintains the technical skills necessary for application configuration and application administration activities. Assists team members in developing configuration skills, as needed. 
• Participates in identification, troubleshooting, and resolution of application and/or implementation issues. Insures follow-through on reported problems to final resolution. 
• Participates in the preparation and execution of test plans and test scripts, including reiterations as necessary. Insures that results are documented and feedback is provided to responsible parties. Insures that the application is adequately tested and all high priority issues are resolved or worked around in a satisfactory manner. 
• Defines and documents application technical requirements. 
• Provides onsite "go-live” support. 

REQUIREMENTS 
Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Healthcare, or related field from an accredited institution. Experience may be substituted for degree. 
Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree in Healthcare 
Certification: None 
Preferred Certification: None 
Location: Office 

On call support required on a 24x7 rotational basis. 

Experience: 
Three years' experience with Pathology applications software support, database build, system validation, custom software development, and management reporting. 

Preferred Experience: 
• Five plus years' experience with supporting and building in Sunqest's PowerPath Pathology system. 
• Two years clinical laboratory setting experience 
• Proficiency in ad hoc report writing using Crystal Reports and Business Objects 
• Proficiency with Microsoft word add-ins and macros 
• Proficiency with SQL report writing 
• Advanced Excel skills for data extraction and reporting 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Access