Lead Software Developer - LIMS

Whitehall Resources are currently looking for a Software Developer. This role requires the use of an FCSA umbrella company. 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. 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 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 (e.g. 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 lifecycle • 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)