PostgreSQL DBA The Hansen Experimental Physics Lab (HEPL) at Stanford University is developing the Joint Science Operations Center (JSOC) to support two key instruments on the upcoming NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) mission. Launch of SDO is expected within the next 18 months and may be as soon as 6 months. The JSOC team has implemented a data management system based on the PostgreSQL database system to support management of an expected flow of several hundred million records per year. The JSOC system comprises a Database Record Management System (DRMS) containing image metadata and a Storage Unit Management System (SUMS) containing up to 1 PB/year of solar image data. DRMS, in turn, comprises a C "wrapper" library that interfaces with a PostgreSQL server and database. The library communicates with the server via libpq function calls. C and FORTRAN "modules" making use of the services provided by the DRMS library store and retrieve data from the PostgreSQL database and from SUMS via file pointers stored in the database. Finally, scripts of various languages run these modules by submitting batch jobs to a queuing system that operates on a data cluster. For the final development stage prior to the launch of SDO the JSOC team seeks a consultant/contractor who can who can perform a variety of PostgreSQL design and DBA tasks; the level of effort is expected to be variable as needed with the primary effort near the beginning and a supporting role for up to a year. The successful candidate will be fluent in PostgreSQL backup, recovery, software installation and update/upgrade, performance, and security. She or he will have thorough knowledge of the tools available to perform such PSQL administrative tasks. A very good understanding of database design principles and how they can be used to enhance an existing database configuration is highly desirable. The candidate must have experience configuring hardware/software, and PostgreSQL server and clients so that the database performs optimally in our environment. The JSOC team makes use of various technologies to duplicate database information. It uses Slony-I, combined with administrative scripts, to replicate database information to offsite locations. And it uses Unix snapshots and log shipping of write-ahead-logs to make regular database checkpoints and maintain standby machines. The successful candidate must be knowledgeable with these and related technologies, and must be capable of designing and implementing such backup, recovery, and transfer procedures. The candidate should also be well-versed in associated tasks, such as managing fail over between standbys and database vacuuming, in the face of continual user queries. The JSOC Database Developer will assist in the identification of performance bottlenecks. This includes analysis of table design/relations and database configuration. But it also includes tracking down errant queries to specific processes. As most SQL queries of the PostgreSQL databases will be generated by the DRMS library (C code), knowledge of C and ability to rapidly master the JSOC interface between C and PostgreSQL is also essential. As the team works exclusively in Unix environments (mostly Linux), the successful candidate will be a competent Unix user, and fluent with C, shell scripting, Perl scripting, etc. The JSOC Database Developer will document operating procedures and plans. The JSOC Database Developer will also train other staff members in the maintenance and troubleshooting of the functioning system. Accordingly, effective communication skills are a must, including communication of topics of a technical nature. Qualifications: * MS Degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science or related field. * 3+ years experience working with PostgreSQL including Slony-I experience * 3+ years experience administering databases * Proficiency in SQL programming, and some experience with PL/pgSQL. * Experience with PostgreSQL's libpq is highly desirable. * 3+ years experience with C programming in a UNIX/Linux environment. * Proficiency with shell scripting languages and Perl. * Ability to come up to speed on a fairly mature database configuration in a timely manner. * Strong technical and troubleshooting skills. * Ability to work independently. Please email your resume to pscherrer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Philip H. Scherrer Professor of Physics, Stanford University -- Sent via pgsql-jobs mailing list (pgsql-jobs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx) To make changes to your subscription: http://www.postgresql.org/mailpref/pgsql-jobs
