Flask/PostgreSQL Developer Needed for 5-Day QA & Debugging Sprint

I’m looking for an experienced Flask/PostgreSQL developer for an immediate 5-day QA, debugging, and stabilization sprint on an existing educational web application. This is NOT a build-from-scratch project. The application is already functioning and I have a detailed written list of confirmed bugs, verification items, and testing requirements. The goal is to resolve the highest-priority functional/data issues and verify fixes thoroughly. Tech stack: * Python / Flask * PostgreSQL * SQLAlchemy * JavaScript / HTML * Railway deployment What I need: * Diagnose and fix confirmed database/data-integrity issues * Debug backend/session and data-persistence behavior * Investigate and fix issues affecting existing application features * Test API/backend/database interactions * Perform targeted behavioral QA on core workflows as time allows * Regression-test anything changed * Clearly document what was fixed, the root cause, and how the fix was verified IMPORTANT TESTING STANDARD: I am specifically looking for someone who verifies fixes at runtime. A code change or HTTP 200 response alone is not enough. For each fix, the expected process is: 1. Reproduce the issue 2. Identify the root cause 3. Implement the fix 4. Test the real user/runtime workflow 5. Verify relevant API and PostgreSQL state when applicable 6. Regression-test related behavior 7. Document evidence that the issue is resolved Environment/safety: Most work must be performed in development/staging. Production data should be treated as read-only unless a production change is explicitly approved. Any production data modification would require approval and a rollback plan. Budget and timing: * Hourly: approximately $20–30/hour * Initial engagement is strictly time-boxed, with approximately $200 maximum freelancer labor * Additional hours must NOT be worked without explicit approval * Must be available to begin immediately * Target completion: within 5 days Because the budget is intentionally time-boxed, confirmed high-severity database/backend issues take priority over cosmetic work. Ideal candidate: * Strong Flask/Python debugging experience * Strong PostgreSQL/SQLAlchemy experience * Comfortable tracing problems across frontend → API → backend → database * Experience with staging vs. production environments * Strong manual/behavioral QA habits * Careful with data migrations and database integrity * Able to communicate findings clearly and concisely When applying, please answer: A user completes an action and receives a success message, but the expected PostgreSQL record is not created. Walk me through exactly how you would diagnose the problem and verify that your eventual fix actually works. Please also briefly describe: 1. Your Flask/PostgreSQL experience 2. A difficult bug you diagnosed where the first apparent fix did not fully solve the root cause 3. Your availability during the next 5 days Please begin your proposal with the word “VERIFIED” so I know you read the requirements.