About the position
Postion Summary:
This role involves technical leadership, architecture, and research for the MeerKAT telescope and SKA program. Key responsibilities include developing and managing server and storage hardware, science archives, data transfer systems, tape libraries, and database services. The lead will also oversee the operation and uptime of these systems and collaborate with international SKA consortia.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work with the science team to develop, design and continuously review the SARAO science data lifecycle management policy Oversee the alignment of the technical storage solution with the data lifecycle management policy and processes
- Drive and be accountable for implementation activities for alignment of data lifecycle management policy and processesLead the data storage, archival and backup processes to ensure continuous availability and preservation of telescope dataWork with other operations leads to make sure that there is continuous support and technical response to address technical issues that emerge during operations of the storage solutionImplement monitoring, early warning and logging solutions for the storage solution
- Manage storage solution change rollouts such that key stakeholders are aware of the changes, and are capable of utilizing the updated solution
- Charting the technical research path with respect to high capacity, high availability, long term archival within SARAO
- Support the development and maintenance of System Engineering deliverables such as documentation and system verification, qualification and baselining activities
- Support CI Storage administrationDevelop and maintain the data delivery policies and processes for MeerKAT data delivery to usersBe responsible for the development and maintenance of robust data delivery infrastructure and solution for MeerKAT
Minimum Qualification:
- Bachelors Degree / Advanced Diploma / NQF 7
Minimum Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology or Electrical Engineering Relevant storage certificate
Experience:
- 10 years in system design, architecture and analysis with strong storage focusEssential to have experience with large scale storage implementations and deployments, performing at peta-scaleExperience with CEPH (Advantageous)Extensive experience in a high performance computing development environment Experience designing, implementing and managing large scale storage deployments (> 20 PB) Experience designing, implementing, integrating and managing diverse and layered storage architectures, ranging from high availability, high speed storage solution to low energy, cold storageExperience in system engineering-driven environmentExperience of developing innovative solutions and contributing to strategic planning
- Experience in globally distributed projects Experience in the technical management of a team Experience of working with and influencing senior management
Knowledge:
- Budgets/resources/funding and an understanding of financial management procedures
- Strong computing infrastructure background Ability to assess and organise resources Ability to communicate complex information clearly; and to encourage commitment to learn in othersStrong ability to lead and motivate technical personnelStrong presentation and idea transfer skillsProven track record of project delivery
The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
Desired Skills:
- Skilled in applied field of position
- Knowledge to be relevant
- Responsible in performing duties
About The Employer:
The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa??s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.
