Lead Software Developer

My clients are looking for a Lead Software Developer on a 3-6 month contract basis. This role is remote working with a possible odd day in the office. The rate is £550 per day inside scope of IR35. Please note, candidates also must be eligible for SC Clearance.

I'm looking for an experienced Software Developer who has experience of working with Thermo Fisher SampleManager (LIMS) v12.1. & v21.3. Experience of both versions is desirable but not essential. However, experience of Thermo Fisher Sample Manager for at least one version is essential.

Your new role

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

• System configuration (core platform skill)

Core Technical Skills for SampleManager Developers

Programming & Development Skills

• VGL as the "native coding language" inside our current version of SampleManager
• 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

• Querying, validation, troubleshooting against the SampleManager data model

Relational Databases

• Oracle for the 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
• 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
  • Integration with:
  • Use of middleware and integration tools
• REST/SOAP interfaces:
  • For interfacing with external systems and services

Software Engineering & Lifecycle

• SDLC Knowledge
• Testing & QA:
  • Unit testing, system testing, validation (especially in regulated environments)
  • Managing changes to configurations and code
• Troubleshooting & Support:
  • Root cause analysis of system issues
• Report Development:
  • Tools like:
• 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
  • On-premise and cloud-hosted LIMS
• Security concepts

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)

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"