Senior Analyst - Data Handling Section

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2. About ECMWF

ECMWF is both a research institute and a 24/7 operational service, producing and disseminating numerical weather predictions to its Member States. ECMWF carries out scientific and technical research directed to the improvement of its forecasts, collects and processes large amounts of observations, and manages a long-term archive of meteorological data. Satellite and in situ observations provide the information for up-to-date global analyses and climate reanalyses of the atmosphere, ocean and land surface.

3. Summary of the role

ECMWF is currently in the process of setting up its new data centre in Bologna, Italy, and will migrate its HPC and supporting IT and communications infrastructure to this new site in 2020. This role has been established as part of this programme to build, equip and migrate ECWMF’s IT operations to the new datacentre.

The setting up of a new Data Handling Service in Bologna, Italy and moving more than half an Exabyte of data to the new data centre while maintaining the current operational service makes this a an extremely challenging process and a unique opportunity. This position sits in the DHS team of the HPC and Storage Section within the Computing Department. As a Senior Analyst, he or she will be a key member of the team that plans and implements this work and will be expected to take a role in leading part of the work which will also include participating actively in technical discussions related to future planning requirements.

The successful candidate will have a very strong background in this this field and will be required to lead projects within the team. Working closely with the DHS team leader, he or she will drive continuous innovation and improvement processes in their area of expertise

4. Main duties and key responsibilities

- Supporting the transition of the DHS archive to Bologna in Italy

- Assisting with the management of the DHS archive and its infrastructure, the installation and the configuration of Linux and the various data management software applications currently used by ECMWF (HPSS, DB2 and TSM)

- Assisting in the research and the evaluation of new software, storage devices and media which may involve liaising with the development teams of various vendors to provide input for the longterm planning of the DHS facilities

- Leading project work within the DHS team

- Working closely with engineers and Data Centre technicians who install, configure, test and evaluate new hardware to ensure its timely production

- Contributing to the strategic planning of the further developments of the DHS, including taking a

leading role in the implementation of those plans

- Providing tools, documentation and training for the day-to-day running of the DHS service to ensure it is maintained effectively and efficiently

- Providing day-to-day support of the DHS, which involves periodic 24-hour on call support

5. Personal attributes

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with other members of a small team

- Ability to work with subject matter experts in other fields to explain complex technical issues and understand their issues and translate them into deliverable requirements

- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

- Ability to work under pressure in a time critical environment

- Flexible approach to adapt to changing work priorities

- Practical and reliable with the drive to ensure that plans are completed as efficiently as possible

6. Qualifications and experience required

Education

- University degree or equivalent experience in computer science or in a technical of scientific subject.

Experience

Very good experience in one or more of the following;

- IBM’S HPSS

- Other large-scale data archiving systems such as DMF, StorNext, TSM or

- Oracle HSM

Additionally very good experience in one or more of the following would be

highly desirable:

- Administration of disk and/or tape systems

- Administration of Linux systems

Experience in managing projects is essential.

Knowledge and skills (including language)

Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and interviews will be conducted in English.

A good knowledge of one of the Centre’s other working languages (French or German) would be an advantage.

7. Other information

Grade remuneration

The successful candidate will be recruited at the A3 grade, according to the scales of the Coordinated Organisations and the annual basic salary will be £71,861.52 net of tax. This position is assigned to the employment category STF-C as defined in the Staff Regulations.

Full details of salary scales and allowances are available on the ECMWF website, including the Centre’s Staff Regulations regarding the terms and conditions of employment.

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Length of contract: Four years with the possibility of a further contract.

Location: The position will be based in the Reading area, in Berkshire, United Kingdom.

8. How to apply

To apply please click the APPLY button.