Lead Software Developer

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 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)

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