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