Server Administration Consultant – Research Data Repository (12-month contract)

About the role

MORU is establishing an institutional research data repository using Dataverse, an open-source platform for preserving research data. MORU requires a consultant to provide technical administration and maintenance of the repository and ensure that the system remains secure and available to users. The work will include administration of the Dataverse application and its supporting components, system monitoring, upgrades, troubleshooting and support for backup and recovery arrangements. The consultant will work with MORU's Data Management and IT teams. The estimated level of effort is approximately 0.4 FTE during normal operations, although requirements may vary during upgrades, major changes and incidents.

Key responsibilities

• Administer and maintain the Dataverse installation and associated application services, databases and configuration

• Monitor system availability, performance, capacity and logs, and investigate and resolve technical problems

• Maintain and troubleshoot the principal Dataverse components, including the Java application server, PostgreSQL and Solr

• Plan, test and implement application upgrades, security patches and configuration changes in coordination with MORU IT staff

• Support backup, restoration and disaster recovery arrangements, including periodic testing of recovery procedures

• Maintain application security settings, privileged accounts, authentication configuration and access controls in accordance with institutional requirements

• Maintain technical integrations, including DOI registration, search indexing, storage services, authentication and APIs

• Investigate application errors and provide technical support to the Repository Manager and authorised users

• Maintain technical documentation, configuration records and change logs

• Liaise with MORU IT staff and, where necessary, the Dataverse community or external technical support providers to resolve problems

• Monitor relevant software releases and security advisories and recommend appropriate updates.

About you

• A degree in computer science, information technology or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience

• Demonstrable experience administering Linux servers and production web applications

• Good working knowledge of Linux system administration, relational databases and application troubleshooting

• Experience with system monitoring, software upgrades, security patching and configuration management

• Understanding of server security, authentication, access controls, backup and recovery

• Ability to learn and maintain unfamiliar software using technical documentation and community resources

• Ability to work independently, maintain clear technical records and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical colleagues

• Good written and spoken English

• Experience administering Dataverse, another research data repository or comparable enterprise system (desirable)

• Experience with Java application servers, PostgreSQL and Apache Solr (desirable)

• Familiarity with research data repositories and persistent identifier services

Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to provide:

1. A maintained and operational Dataverse installation, with technical issues investigated and addressed in accordance with agreed priorities.

2. Routine system monitoring and periodic reports covering system status, maintenance activities, incidents and outstanding technical issues.

3. Tested application upgrades, patches and configuration changes, with appropriate records of changes made.

4. Documented backup and recovery procedures, with evidence of periodic restoration testing.

5. Current technical documentation covering system configuration, dependencies, administration and recovery procedures.

6. Technical advice on system capacity, security, performance and future maintenance requirements.

The successful applicant should have good communication skills. Interested applicants, please submit your application with detailed resumé to Head of Data Management

Dr Naomi Waithira

Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU)

Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University

420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok 10400

MORU’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

MORU is committed to creating an inclusive culture and a respectful environment, and values diversity and promoting equity for all its members. MORU does not tolerate any form of harassment or victimisation and expects all members, visitors and contractors to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration. Successful candidates are expected to adhere to these standards and principles.