Hays
Lead Software Developer
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Your new company
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.
Your new role
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 the 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.
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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
- Integration with:
- 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)
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- 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)
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 Health A
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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