Lead Software Developer - Thermo Fisher SampleManager (LIMS)

Lead Software Developer

Clearance required: BPSS

Interview process: Tech IV

Location: Remote

Sector: Public

End User: Client

IR35 Status: PAYE via Umbrella company only

Job Description:

We are looking for 2 experienced Lead Developers with specific LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) expertise, to work in the APHA DOS Programme to increase Development capacity and provide specialist technical LIMS experience for any outputs of the LIMS upgrade Project that will touch the DOS Programme. These roles will work closely with the existing DDTS LIMS support and development Team and across the APHA Delivery Group.

TOR

"We require 2 Lead Software Developers with experience working with Thermo Fisher SampleManager (LIMS) v12.1. & v21.3. Experience of both is desirable but not essential, as the latter is the target upgrade version.

However, experience of Thermo Fisher Sample Manager, for at least one version is essential.

A SampleManager developer is not just a typical coder - the role is a mix of:

Software development (VGL, C#/.NET/SQL)

System configuration (core platform skill)

Integration engineering

Regulatory-aware system design

Core Technical Skills for SampleManager Developers

Programming & Development Skills
VGL as the native coding language inside our current version of SampleManager

C#/.NET Framework

o Primary language used for extending and customising SampleManager (forms, logic, DLLs)

o Platform itself is built on Microsoft .NET architecture

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

o Required for designing modular LIMS extensions and workflows

API & Web Service Development

o Experience with XML, SOAP, HTTP web services for integrations

Database & Data Management Skills
SQL (Essential)

o Querying, validation, troubleshooting against the SampleManager data model

Relational Databases

o Oracle for current version to be upgraded to PotsgresSQL

o Understanding schemas, stored procedures, and performance tuning

Data Integrity & Audit

o Knowledge of audit trails, versioning, and traceability (critical in LIMS environments)

SampleManager Platform-Specific Skills
LIMS Configuration (at times more important than pure coding)

o SampleManager is heavily configuration-driven rather than fully custom-coded. However, the APHA LIMS has been heavily custom coded and experience in this is essential.

Key tools/modules:

o Entity Designer/Explorer

o Workflow Designer (Visual Workflow)

o Forms Designer/Labels/Reports

o Dashboards & scheduling components

Workflow Development

o Design and automate laboratory workflows and procedures

Module Development

o Sample workflows, stock management, instrument modules, etc.

Systems Integration Skills
Instrument Integration

o Connecting lab instruments (eg HPLC, GC, analyzers) to LIMS

Enterprise System Integration

o Integration with:

§ ERP systems

§ MES/ELN/SDMS

o Use of Middleware and integration tools

REST/SOAP interfaces

o For interfacing with external systems and services

Software Engineering & Lifecycle
SDLC Knowledge

o Design - Development - Testing - Deployment - Support

Testing & QA

o Unit testing, system testing, validation (especially in regulated environments)

Version Control

o Managing changes to configurations and code

Troubleshooting & Support

o Root cause analysis of system issues

Reporting & Data Visualisation
Report Development

o Creating custom reports, dashboards, KPIs

o Tools like:

§ Built-in reporting tools

§ External tools

Data Analytics

o Interpreting lab data and presenting insights

Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge (Critical in LIMS)
Understanding of:

o GxP (Good Practice standards)

o FDA 21 CFR Part 11

o ISO 17025/GMP

Knowledge of:

o Electronic signatures

o Audit trails

o Data validation processes

Infrastructure & Environment Skills
Windows Server environments

Deployment models

o On-premise and cloud-hosted LIMS

Security concepts

o Authentication, authorisation, data protection

Analytical & Domain Skills
Laboratory domain knowledge

o Understanding of lab workflows, SOPs, sample life cycle

Business analysis

o Translating lab/user requirements into technical solutions

Soft but Essential Technical Skills
Problem-solving and debugging

Working with stakeholders (scientists& laboratory staff)

Documentation (technical specs, validation docs)

Other:

Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management systems & laboratory processes - Essential

SC security clearance is required for server access - Essential

Experience or knowledge of APHA (Animal Plant Heath A)