Principal Applications Systems Analyst – Cerner Millennium

The Principal Application Systems Analyst is responsible for providing technical production support and system administration to ensure optimum system performance and resolution of technical issues that impact the utilization of applications/systems throughout the institution specific to Laboratory Information Systems.  The Principal Application Systems Analyst provides technical expertise in defining, developing, implementing, and supporting solutions for business/clinical applications at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center related to Laboratory Information Systems

*Ideal candidates will  have experience with  Cerner Millennium support and maintenance, including build, test, and promotion to production.

THIS IS  A PART-TIME POSITION.

REMOTE POSITION  - MUST LIVE IN TEXAS.

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 department 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.
- Participates in troubleshooting of desktop, hardware, and network issues by providing critical information about the system issues at hand, as well as information about the applications and IT environment in the supported departments.
- Supports desktop, hardware, and network upgrades performed by other IS organizations by providing information about the applications and IT environment in the supported departments.
- 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 of each department (may be 24 x 7)
- 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 customers’ business needs.  
- Uses knowledge of the applications to leverage its functionality to support customer needs. 
- Performs service requests/database changes and assigned work accurately and efficiently.  
- Maintains/builds system and reference files following established procedures.  
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the manager or supervisor.

Participation and leadership in systems implementation  
- Leverages knowledge of current technical environment in all project activities.
- Provides input into or may lead the development of milestones, deliverables, project plans and timelines to assure that technical tasks/aspects are addressed.
- Analyzes system technical requirements and provides appropriate input to the development or selection of solutions, taking into consideration project constraints.
- Evaluates the business and technical implications of the application of technology to the current and future business environment.  Provides this input to the project team and customer.  
- Documents hardware and software architecture.
- Participates in the design and configuration or development of input forms, screen designs, tables, system outputs, and interfaces that meet the business needs of the customer.
- Develops and maintains the technical skills necessary for system configuration and system administration activities.  Assists team members in developing configuration skills, as needed.
- Participates in identification, troubleshooting, and resolution of application and/or implementation issues.  Ensures follow-through on reported problems to final resolution.
- Ensures that system technical design is consistent with institutional and regulatory standards.
- Ensures that security access design complies with institutional and regulatory standards.
- Participates in the preparation and execution of test plans and test scripts, including reiterations as necessary.  Ensures 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 before the system begins production operations.
- Coordinates/participates in the development of backup, disaster recovery, business continuity, security, and administration and redundancy strategies.
- Defines and documents system technical requirements.
- Provides on-site “go-live” support.
- Coordinates or assists in the coordination of services from other IT departments to successfully produce project deliverables.

Coach and develop   
Provides on-the-job training and mentoring to co-workers in the handling of routine requests, coordination duties, and advanced topics.

Expertise in best practices    
Utilizes industry best practices in the acquisition, development, implementation, and maintenance of institutional information systems.

Other duties as assigned