Database Administrators

Handshake is recruiting Database Administrators (DBAs) to contribute to an hourly, temporary AI research project — no prior AI experience required. In this program, you'll use your professional expertise in database design, maintenance, and optimization to evaluate AI-generated content related to your field. You'll assess outputs, provide structured feedback, and help improve how AI understands data architecture, security, and performance management in real-world environments.

The Handshake AI opportunity runs year-round, with project openings periodically across various technical and data-driven disciplines.

• The position is remote and asynchronous — work independently from wherever you are.

• Flexible hours, no minimum commitment (most participants average 5–20 hours per week).

• Work includes developing prompts related to database administration and evaluating AI-generated responses for accuracy, clarity, and technical depth.

• Learn new skills and help shape how AI supports data management and engineering professionals.

• Placement into a project will depend on availability — if you apply now and this project is full, future opportunities will open soon.

You have at least 4 years of professional experience as a Database Administrator, Data Engineer, or in a related IT or data management role.

Examples of relevant experience include:

• Modifying existing databases and database management systems or directing programmers and analysts to make changes.

• Planning, coordinating, and implementing security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification, or disclosure.

• Planning and installing upgrades of database management system software to enhance performance and stability.

• Specifying users and access levels for each database segment.

• Testing changes to database applications or systems to ensure functionality and data integrity.

• Testing programs or databases, correcting errors, and making necessary modifications.

• Training users and answering database-related questions.

• Providing technical support to junior staff or clients.

• Approving, scheduling, planning, and supervising the installation and testing of new products or system improvements, such as database upgrades.

• Developing standards and guidelines for software acquisition and data protection.

• Writing and coding logical and physical database descriptions, specifying identifiers to management systems, or directing others in this process.

• Developing data models describing data elements, relationships, and usage patterns using modeling tools or software.

• Selecting and entering codes to monitor database performance and create production databases.

• Identifying, evaluating, and recommending hardware or software technologies to achieve desired database performance.

• Reviewing procedures in database management system manuals and making appropriate updates or optimizations.

• Identifying and evaluating industry trends in database systems to advise management on emerging best practices.

• Reviewing workflow charts developed by programmer analysts to understand database tasks and record updates.

• Revising company data definitions as documented in the data dictionary.

You're also:

• Detail-oriented, analytical, and proactive in solving complex technical challenges.

• Experienced in managing large-scale systems and ensuring data reliability.

• Interested in helping AI better understand modern data management workflows and technical problem-solving.

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