Entry-level Lab Informatics & Scientific Systems Associate

Cognizant; United States; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays + PTO

401(k) plan

Long‑term/Short‑term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a recent graduate to join the Lab Informatics & Scientific Systems team, blending laboratory science with software engineering. You’ll support lab software platforms, assist with instrument integration, and help ensure GLP/GMP/FDA compliance while building a digital backbone for QC and R&D labs.

The role offers hands-on work with LabVantage, StarLIMS, and CDS/SDMS, plus exposure to AI-driven innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, bioinformatics, CS, CE, SE, information systems or related field.
• Solid programming fundamentals in Java, Python, or .NET/C# with SQL knowledge.
• Familiarity with lab software concepts such as LIMS/CDS/SDMS, and validation concepts.

Responsibilities

• Provide first-level, hands-on support for laboratory software systems and instrument integration platforms.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, and upgrade lab instrument software across Windows/Linux.
• Support software-to-hardware integration and data flow between instruments, databases, LIMS/CDS systems.
• Use ITSM tools to manage incidents, service requests, and changes, owning tickets through closure.
• Document configurations, user guides, and troubleshooting for the wider team.

Skills

Java

Python

C#/.NET

SQL

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

LIMS platforms

LabVantage

StarLIMS

SampleManager LIMS

CDS

SDMS

Job description

Position Overview

Ever wondered what happens the moment a scientist presses “run” on an HPLC, or how a QC lab turns thousands of instrument readings into a single trusted result? That's the world you'll step into on day one — the intersection of laboratory science and modern software engineering. If you're a recent graduate who's curious about both the lab bench and the terminal window, this role is built for you.

Count on us to address the full discovery lifecycle with offerings that include re-engineering and consulting services, lab automation services, biomarker research and knowledge process outsourcing. To achieve success, Cognizant helps organizations modernize foundational IT infrastructure and move to an ecosystem-based operating model that prioritizes collaboration, agility and resilience while delivering the care experiences that consumers demand - anytime, anywhere.

You will join our Lab Informatics & Scientific Systems team, supporting and helping build the digital backbone of our clients QC and R&D laboratories — the platforms and instruments scientists rely on every single day, including:

• LIMS platforms — LabVantage, StarLIMS, SampleManager LIMS (SM LIMS), and equivalent systems




• Chromatography Data Systems (CDS) and other scientific data management systems (SDMS)




• Lab instruments such as HPLC, GC, balances, pH meters, and auto-titrators — and the software that connects them to enterprise systems




• Validation & compliance frameworks that keep our labs GLP, GMP, and FDA-ready

Why start your career here?

• Rare hybrid exposure: build real expertise at the intersection of software engineering, laboratory science, and regulated industry — a skill set that's hard to find and highly valued.




• Work hands-on with industry-standard platforms (LabVantage, StarLIMS, SampleManager LIMS) and real lab instrumentation.




• A structured growth path — from support and operations into development, automation, and AI-driven innovation.




• Be part of shaping the future state of lab technology, including emerging Gen AI and intelligent-agent use cases.




• Mentorship from experienced lab informatics professionals and exposure to global, cross-functional project teams.




• Meaningful work: the systems you support directly enable scientific discovery and product quality that reaches real patients and customers.

Key Responsibilities

Support & Operations

• Provide first-level, hands-on support for laboratory software systems and instrument integration platforms (e.g., HPLC, GC, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, auto-titrators).


• Install, configure, troubleshoot, and upgrade lab instrument software across Windows/Linux environments.


• Support software-to-hardware integration, ensuring reliable, accurate data flow between instruments, databases, and LIMS/CDS platforms.


• Use ITSM tools (e.g., ServiceNow, Remedy) to manage incidents, service requests, and changes — owning tickets from initiation to closure.


• Monitor and meet SLAs for ticket resolution; maintain clear documentation of issues, troubleshooting steps, and resolutions.


• Coordinate onsite visits when needed to resolve complex issues or support installations and validation activities.

Systems, Data & Compliance

• Support configuration and maintenance of LIMS, CDS, SDMS, and related lab systems to ensure accurate, compliant data flow.


• Help maintain audit trails, support data archival, and ensure systems are validated and maintained per SOPs and validation protocols.


• Support compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and FDA regulations.


• Document system configurations, user guides, and troubleshooting/knowledge-base articles for the wider team.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with lab analysts, QA, vendors, and IT teams to resolve multi-layered technical issues.


• Engage with business stakeholders to understand requirements, support testing and training activities, and translate lab needs into technical solutions.


• Participate in cross-functional meetings to improve lab workflows, system performance, and user experience.


• Bring a proactive, problem-solving mindset — spot recurring issues and suggest process or technical improvements.


• Complete mandatory and role-specific training on time, staying current on compliance, safety, and IT procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field. New and upcoming graduates are encouraged to apply.




• Technical foundation (coursework, projects, or internship experiences welcome)

  
  
  
  

  • Solid programming fundamentals in one or more languages — Java, Python, .NET/C#, or similar — plus working knowledge of SQL; exposure to Oracle/PL-SQL is a plus.

  
  

  • Comfortable with the Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for documentation, analysis, and reporting.

  
  

  • Awareness or coursework exposure to lab instruments and processes (HPLC, GC, balances, pH meters, auto-titrators) and/or lab software concepts such as LIMS, CDS, or SDMS — theoretical knowledge is completely acceptable; we'll build on it.

  
  

  • Understanding of, or interest in, validation concepts (IQ/OQ/PQ) and regulated environments (GLP/GMP/FDA) — prior hands‑on experience is not required.

  
  

  • A plus, not a must: exposure to AI/Gen AI concepts, prompt engineering, or building simple AI agents/automations — we're actively exploring how these can modernize lab operations.

  
  



• Personal qualities we value most

  
  
  
  

  • Strong written and verbal communication — able to explain technical topics to both technical and non-technical audiences.

  
  

  • A customer‑first, ownership mindset: you follow through on problems until they're truly resolved.

  
  

  • Curiosity and adaptability — genuinely excited to learn new lab software, instruments, and technologies.

  
  

  • Comfort collaborating across global, cross‑functional teams with strong prioritization skills.

  
  

Location(s)

New hires will be deployed to Cognizant office in Teaneck, NJ (and willing to relocate) where you will work alongside other experienced Cognizant associates delivering technology solutions. Applicants must be willing to relocate to these major geographic area.

Start Date(s)

New hires will start in October 2026. While we will attempt to honor candidate start date preferences, business need and position availability will determine final start date assignment of June or August. Exact start dates will be communicated with enough time for you to plan effectively.

Why Choose Us?

Cognizant delivers solutions that draw upon the full power and scale of our associates. You will be supported by high‑caliber experts and employ some of the most advanced and patented capabilities. Our associate’s diverse backgrounds offer varied perspectives and fuel new ways of thinking. We encourage lively discussions which inspire better results for our clients. If you’re comfortable with ambiguity, excited by change, and excel through autonomy, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The annual salary for this position is $45,000.00 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance


• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off


• 401(k) plan and contributions


• Long‑term/Short‑term Disability


• Paid Parental Leave


• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer:

The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Work Authorization

Due to the nature of this position, Cognizant cannot provide sponsorship for U.S. work authorization (including participation in a CPT/OPT program) for this role.