At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software development for LIMS, integrating lab instruments and designing workflows.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company focused on laboratory solutions.
- Benefits: Remote work, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic remote role with potential for career advancement in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in lab efficiency with innovative software solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience with SampleManager and strong programming skills in C#/.NET and SQL.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
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)
- 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 PostgreSQL
- 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 using tools like built-in reporting tools and 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)
Software Developer- LIMS in Reading employer: eTeam
As a leading employer in the software development sector, we offer a dynamic remote work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and a culture that values regulatory compliance and technical excellence. Join us to be part of a team that not only develops cutting-edge LIMS solutions but also prioritises your professional development and work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Developer- LIMS in Reading
✨Get Involved in Open-Source Projects
Diving into open-source projects is a brilliant way to showcase your skills and connect with other developers in the community. Not only will you beef up your GitHub profile but you might also catch the eye of someone at eTeam who values hands-on experience over just theory.
✨Attend Local Tech Meetups
Tech meetups are gold mines for networking and discovering job opportunities, especially in the fast-paced world of software engineering. Check out local listings for events in your area and don’t shy away from introducing yourself. This could lead directly to a temporary position at eTeam!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
With temporary roles, it’s all about standing out in a short space of time. Create a portfolio website where you highlight your projects and skills. Talk about your code, and provide links to your GitHub repositories. This will not only demonstrate your abilities but will also make it easier for recruiters at eTeam to see what you bring to the table.
✨Leverage Temporary Job Boards
Don’t forget to check specialised job boards for temporary software development roles. Websites like We Work Remotely or Remote OK often list short-term gigs that can be a perfect fit. Apply directly through our website as well, making sure your application is sharp—temporary roles can move fast!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Developer- LIMS in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Skills:Make sure your CV highlights your tech stack and any programming languages you’re proficient in. Include specifics about any frameworks or technologies you’ve worked with; they can make you stand out in the sea of applicants. It’s all about showing that you have the chops we need at eTeam!
Portfolio 2.0:Since you’re applying for a temporary gig, it’s super important to showcase a portfolio that highlights your best projects. Include links to GitHub or any personal projects that demonstrate what you can do in a real-world environment. This gives us a taste of your style and your problem-solving approach!
Keep It Brief and Relevant:With a temporary position, we want to see your ability to hit the ground running. Be concise in your CV and cover letter; stick to experiences that directly relate to the role. Highlight any previous temporary roles or freelance gigs that show your adaptability and quick learning!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic cover letter. Personalise it for Software Developer- LIMS at eTeam! Mention why this temporary role excites you and how you see yourself contributing in the short run. Show us what you've got and why you're the one for this quick turn-around!
How to prepare for a job interview at eTeam
✨Nail the Technical Skills
For a software engineering role, you'll likely face technical questions or coding tasks during your interview. Brush up on the relevant programming languages and frameworks that eTeam uses, and don’t forget to practice some coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Showing your coding prowess can really make you stand out!
✨Prepare for System Design Questions
Even for a temporary role, having a grasp of system design principles can be crucial. Be ready to discuss how you would architect a software solution, including discussing trade-offs, scalability, and performance considerations. Having examples from previous projects can really show off your analytical thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to emphasise your ability to hit the ground running. Highlight experiences where you quickly adapted to new technologies or teams. Let’s make it clear to the interviewers at eTeam that you can learn on the job and deliver results in a short timeframe!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure to have a portfolio or GitHub ready showcasing your projects. Having tangible evidence of what you've done—be it personal projects, contributions to open-source, or previous work—can convey how capable you are. Tailor this for what might interest eTeam, so it's relevant and sparks conversation during your interview.
