Principal Research Scientist, Database Systems

About the role

MongoDB Research aims to enhance database systems through fundamental and applied research that influences our products. We focus on innovation that addresses key challenges in data management, performance, security, scalability, and usability. By collaborating with top research institutions, we work to shape the future of database technology and maintain MongoDB's leadership in the field.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Engage in pioneering research focused on query optimization, indexing techniques, storage engines, and enhancing performance.
• Create, prototype, and rigorously assess new database systems and architectures that utilize modern hardware capabilities, including SIMD parallelism, GPU acceleration, and multicore processing.
• Work closely with Engineering teams to translate advanced research findings into practical solutions for commercial database products.
• Publish significant research results in leading conferences and journals in the database and systems domain, such as VLDB and SIGMOD.
• Build a Database Systems research group, aiming to recruit 2-3 researchers within the next 1-2 years.
• Mentor junior researchers to cultivate a collaborative and productive research environment.

Requirements

• Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline with a focus on database systems.
• Over 12 years of experience applying computer science principles to large-scale software development challenges, particularly in databases and distributed systems.
• A strong record of impactful research publications in prominent database and systems conferences and journals.
• Expertise in query optimization, effective data structures, and high-performance database architectures.
• Solid foundation in performance engineering, hardware-aware optimizations, and internal workings of database engines.
• Experience in developing research prototypes and conducting thorough empirical studies to validate theoretical concepts.
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.

Success metrics

• By the end of the first three months, establish productive relationships with key stakeholders in Product and Engineering.
• Within six months, complete a review of the company's database roadmap and identify areas for research impact, along with a clear research agenda for the team.
• Within a year, successfully attract and interview candidates to expand the research team.

About MongoDB

MongoDB is designed for adaptability, enabling our clients and employees to innovate rapidly. We have transformed the database landscape for the AI era, allowing innovators to create and disrupt industries through software. Our unified database platform is the most widely available globally distributed database, assisting organizations in modernizing legacy workloads and embracing innovation. MongoDB Atlas, our cloud-native platform, is the only globally distributed, multi-cloud database available across AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.

With a global presence and nearly 60,000 customers, including 75% of the Fortune 100 and AI-native startups, MongoDB is powering the next generation of software.

Our guiding principle at MongoDB is our Leadership Commitment, which shapes our decision-making and interactions. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching culture for all employees. We offer various benefits, including employee affinity groups, fertility assistance, and a generous parental leave policy, prioritizing our employees' well-being throughout their professional and personal journeys.

MongoDB is committed to providing necessary accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process. Please inform your recruiter if you require assistance due to a disability.

MongoDB, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, promoting diversity and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any kind. All hiring decisions are made 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.

Req ID: 1263126935

MongoDB's base salary range for this position in the U.S. is $203,000 to $399,000 USD. Compensation is tailored to each candidate based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and location. Salary is just one component of MongoDB's total compensation and benefits package, which may also include equity, participation in the employee stock purchase program, flexible paid time off, 20 weeks of fully-paid gender-neutral parental leave, fertility and adoption assistance, a 401(k) plan, mental health counseling, transgender-inclusive health insurance, and various health benefits. Please note that the salary range and benefits mentioned apply only to U.S.-based candidates.

About the company

MongoDB is built for change, empowering our customers and our people to innovate at the speed of the market. We have redefined the database for the AI era, enabling innovators to create, transform, and disrupt industries with software.