Software Developer (Remote/SQL)

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, 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)