Lead Software Developer (SC Cleared)

Rate: £529 per day (Inside IR35)
Duration: 6 months
Clearance: Active SC required
Location: Remote UK-based

Overview

We are seeking 2 experienced Lead Software Developers (SFIA Level 5) with strong expertise in Thermo Fisher SampleManager (LIMS) to support a major upgrade and enhancement programme.

Candidates must have hands-on experience with SampleManager (at least one version), ideally across both v12.1 and v21.3 (target platform).

This role goes beyond traditional software development, combining development, platform configuration, integration engineering, and regulatory-aware system design within a laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development and configuration of Thermo Fisher SampleManager (LIMS)
• Design, build, and maintain custom workflows, modules, and extensions
• Support upgrade activities from Legacy versions to v21.3
• Develop and maintain integrations with laboratory instruments and enterprise systems
• Work closely with laboratory stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions
• Ensure systems are compliant with regulated environments (GxP, ISO, FDA)
• Perform troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and ongoing support
• Produce and maintain technical and validation documentation

Core Technical Skills1. Development & Programming

• Strong experience with:
  • VGL (essential) - native language within SampleManager
  • C#/.NET Framework
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
• Experience developing:
  • APIs and web services (SOAP, XML, HTTP)
  • Custom extensions (forms, logic, DLLs)

2. Database & Data Management

• SQL (essential) - querying, troubleshooting, optimisation
• Experience with relational databases:
  • Oracle (current)
  • Exposure to PostgreSQL (target) desirable
• Understanding of:
  • Data integrity
  • Audit trails and traceability
  • Schema design and performance tuning

3. SampleManager Platform Expertise

• Strong experience in LIMS configuration (critical skill)
• Hands-on use of:
  • Entity Designer/Explorer
  • Workflow Designer (Visual Workflow)
  • Forms, Labels & Reporting tools
  • Dashboards and scheduling components
• Experience with heavily customised SampleManager environments
• Workflow and module development across:
  • Sample life cycle
  • Stock management
  • Instrument modules

4. Integration & Engineering

• Instrument integration (eg HPLC, GC, analysers)
• Enterprise integration with systems such as:
  • ERP
  • MES/ELN/SDMS
• Experience with REST/SOAP interfaces and Middleware

5. Software Engineering Lifecycle

• Strong knowledge of SDLC
• Experience with:
  • Testing (unit, system, validation)
  • Version control
  • Release and deployment processes
• Proven troubleshooting and support capability

6. Reporting & Data Visualisation

• Development of:
  • Reports, dashboards, KPIs
• Ability to interpret and present laboratory data insights

7. Regulatory & Compliance (Essential)

• Experience working in regulated environments:
  • GxP, GMP, ISO 17025
  • FDA 21 CFR Part 11
• Understanding of:
  • Electronic signatures
  • Audit trails
  • Data validation and compliance processes

8. Infrastructure & Environment

• Windows Server environments
• Deployment models:
  • On-premise and/or cloud-hosted LIMS
• Security principles:
  • Authentication, authorisation, data protection

9. Domain & Business Skills

• Understanding of laboratory operations and sample life cycle
• Ability to translate business/lab requirements into solutions
• Experience working with scientists and lab stakeholders

10. Essential Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical ability
• Excellent stakeholder communication
• High-quality documentation (technical and validation)

Essential Requirements

• Active SC Clearance
• Proven experience with Thermo Fisher SampleManager (LIMS)
• Experience in customised LIMS environments
• Strong mix of development + configuration expertise

Desirable

• Experience with both v12.1 and v21.3
• Exposure to PostgreSQL migrations
• Previous experience in public sector or regulated scientific environments