Software Developer- LIMS

Lead Software Developer- LIMS

Location: Remote

Duration: 4 months

Job Description:

TOR

• We require 2 Lead Software Developers with experience working with 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 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
• Primary language used for extending and customising SampleManager (forms, logic, DLLs)
• Platform itself is built on Microsoft .NET architecture

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

• Required for designing modular LIMS extensions and workflows

API & Web Service Development

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

Database & Data Management Skills

SQL (Essential)

• Querying, validation, troubleshooting against the SampleManager data model

Relational Databases

• Oracle for current version to be upgraded to PotsgresSQL
• Understanding schemas, stored procedures, and performance tuning

Data Integrity & Audit

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

SampleManager Platform-Specific Skills

• LIMS Configuration (at times more important than pure coding)
• 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:

• Entity Designer / Explorer
• Workflow Designer (Visual Workflow)
• Forms Designer / Labels / Reports
• Dashboards & scheduling components

Workflow Development

• Design and automate laboratory workflows and procedures

Module Development

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

Systems Integration Skills

• Instrument Integration

Connecting lab instruments (e.g. HPLC, GC, analyzers) to LIMS

Enterprise System Integration

Integration with:

• ERP systems
• MES / ELN / SDMS
• Use of middleware and integration tools

REST/SOAP interfaces

• For interfacing with external systems and services

Software Engineering & Lifecycle

SDLC Knowledge

• Design → Development → Testing → Deployment → Support

Testing & QA

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

Version Control

• Managing changes to configurations and code

Troubleshooting & Support

• Root cause analysis of system issues

Reporting & Data Visualisation

• Report Development
• Creating custom reports, dashboards, KPIs

Tools like:

• Built-in reporting tools
• External tools

Data Analytics

• Interpreting lab data and presenting insights

Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge (Critical in LIMS)

Understanding of:

• GxP (Good Practice standards)
• FDA 21 CFR Part 11
• ISO 17025 / GMP

Knowledge of:

• Electronic signatures
• Audit trails
• Data validation processes

Infrastructure & Environment Skills

• Windows Server environments

Deployment models

• On-premise and cloud-hosted LIMS

Security concepts

• Authentication, authorisation, data protection

Analytical & Domain Skills

• Laboratory domain knowledge
• Understanding of lab workflows, SOPs, sample lifecycle

Business analysis

• 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)