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Working at ESO
Are you interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment? Do you feel your profile matches our requirements? Learn more about our current vacancies and apply online. Read more..
The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.
ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA and APEX), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.
At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, ESO is building the 39-metre European Extremely Large Telescope, which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky" and whose operations will be fully integrated into the Paranal Observatory.
For its IT Group in Chile, ESO is opening a Local Staff Member position as
Unix-Database Specialist
Santiago
Deadline 15/09/2016
ESO facilities are spread over 5 sites in Germany and Chile, and it operates advanced LAN and WAN communication links between these sites as well as with our many external partners to facilitate Observatory operations and support functions. The Telescope control systems are a custom-built environment of software and applications mainly running on Linux environment. The End-User support is provided for Windows, Mac and Linux clients within Chile offices in Santiago and Observatory sites in La Silla, Paranal, and in San Pedro de Atacama.
IT Services are provided by ESO IT Staff (doing project management, problem analysis, proof of concept, and design recommendations) and IT service providers performing daily operations and service delivery.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- System management of operational Linux-Database environment, virtualization and storage infrastructure in coordination with ESO IT staff and out-tasking responsible staff at all sites.
- Co-ordinate the implementation of IT infrastructure upgrades with the ESO staff and service provider.
- Responsible for administration of Oracle and Sybase databases and related systems.
- Provide analysis and recommendations for IT infrastructure to support ESO instruments coming to Paranal, taking part in assessing their impact on existing and planned designs.
- Analyse ESO Observatory project requirements and functional specifications, and draw up technical specifications.
- Manage small ESO IT projects, or participate in ESO IT projects as technical expert.
- Develop and where applicable lead, proofs of concept for IT infrastructures.
- Together with the colleagues at the other ESO sites ensure that ESO's Linux-Database environment is adequate for the needs of the ESO within budgetary constraints.
- Develop, test, and document new operational procedures for the Linux-Database area and hand them over to the IT service provider.
- Monitor the quality provided by IT service providers and escalate to the management in case of underperformance.
- Prepare proposals for future Linux-Database developments, etc.
- Prepare budget input for Linux-Database environments.
The Unix-Database Specialist is part of the IT Chile Group working in close collaboration with the La Silla, and Paranal Observatory Departments, IT Group Garching and external service providers.
Reports to:
Head of IT Group Chile.
Experience:
At least five years of experience in the field. The candidate must have hands-on experience in system management of Linux-Database systems (RedHat Enterprise and Oracle), expertise in Linux networking infrastructure related systems, VMWare virtualisation. Working with service providers and project management skills are an advantage.
Key Competences:
Proficiency in Linux (RedHat Enterprise). Experience in Oracle databases. Service oriented attitude, excellent communication skills and aptitude for working in a multi-cultural team are essential. A good command of English language as well as good documentation skills are required.
Qualifications:
University degree in Computer Science or equivalent and the following certification: RedHat Certified System Administrator (minimum), Red Hat Certified Engineer (desirable) In case of working experience in Linux and willing to take and pass RedHat exams within the 6 month probation period, applications from non-certified engineers will be taken into consideration. ITIL v3 Foundation desirable or willing to achieve within 3 months from commencing. Oracle experience required.
Language Skills:
The position requires a working knowledge of English.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family.
The initial contract is for a period of two years with the possibility of an indefinite extension, subject to evaluation. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.
Duty Station:
Paranal Observatory (120 km south of Antofagasta) and Santiago premises. The working schedule will be 8 days on site and 6 days off (8x6) with accommodation provided on Paranal, followed by two weeks working in Santiago (5x2). Place of residence shall be Santiago.
Career Path:
IV
Application:
If you are interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit (<http://www.eso.org>) for further details.
Applicants are invited to apply online at http://recruitment.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV.
Closing date for applications is 25 August, 2016.
No nationality is in principle excluded, however applicants, Chilean or of foreign nationality, must have the pertinent working permit, according to Chilean regulations.
The post is equally open to suitably qualified female and male applicants.