IT Operations & Scientific Systems Specialist

MedPharm Ltd; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MedPharm Ltd seeks an IT Operations & Scientific Systems Specialist to support IT operations and laboratory systems across Stirrup Creek and Emperor Blvd facilities. You will combine end-user support with administration of CDS, instrument PCs, and backup systems, ensuring GxP compliance and validated state per 21 CFR Part 11.

The role collaborates with QA, Laboratory, and Operations, traveling between sites and aligning IT controls with regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in IT or a scientific discipline.
• 5+ years hands-on IT support or systems administration; at least 3 years supporting laboratory or regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of GxP and 21 CFR Part 11; change control and data integrity.
• Experience with Chromatography Data Systems, preferably Waters Empower.
• Proficiency with Windows 10/11, AD, and Microsoft 365 administration; familiarity with Windows Server.
• Experience supporting instrument-connected PCs, lab software, imaging, backup, NAS, and virtualization.

Responsibilities

• Provide Tier 1-2 deskside, phone, and ticket-based troubleshooting across two sites.
• Image, deploy, patch, and maintain desktops, laptops, and peripherals; manage asset records.
• Administer AD and Microsoft 365, including onboarding/offboarding and MFA.
• Ensure timely Microsoft updates to endpoints and servers.
• Support instrument PCs and CDS; manage CDS configuration and instrument integration.
• Own backup, restore, and archiving for instrument data; perform restore tests.

Skills

IT support

GxP compliance

Laboratory systems

Windows administration

Active Directory

Microsoft 365 admin

VMware

Veeam

Networking basics

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Waters Empower

VMware

Veeam

Intune

Synology

QNAP

Microsoft 365

Active Directory

Job description

Job Purpose

The IT Operations & Scientific Systems Specialist is a hands-on, versatile, full-time individual contributor role that supports technology across MedPharm’s Stirrup Creek and Emperor Blvd facilities. The role combines day-to-day IT operations tasks, including deskside and end-user support, with administration and support of scientific and laboratory systems such as instrument PCs, Chromatography Data Systems, and laboratory data backups. Working closely with laboratory, QA, and operations teams, the Specialist ensures that both business and GxP-regulated systems are reliable, secure, and maintained in a validated state in accordance with 21 CFR Part 11 and MedPharm’s quality systems policies. The role reports to the Manager, GxP Systems and Site Operations.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

IT Operations & End-User Support (~40%)

• Provide Tier 1-2 deskside, phone, and ticket-based troubleshooting for hardware, software, and enterprise applications across the Stirrup Creek and Emperor Blvd sites, resolving issues within defined service levels.
• Image, deploy, patch, maintain, and retire desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and related peripherals; maintain accurate hardware and software asset records.
• Administer user accounts in Active Directory and Microsoft 365, including onboarding and offboarding, group and distribution list management, licensing, and MFA, in partnership with HR.
• Ensure Microsoft updates are applied to endpoints and servers in a timely and controlled manner.
• Utilize remote control tools to efficiently support desktop and software unexpected events.
• Support printers, phones, conference-room and audio-visual equipment, and perform first-line troubleshooting of network connectivity (wired, Wi-Fi, VPN) while escalating as appropriate.
• Assist with server, virtualization (VMWare), and backup (Veeam) operations, including job monitoring and restore requests.
• Reinforce security best practices with end users, including phishing awareness, device encryption, and acceptable use.

Scientific & Laboratory Systems (~40%)

• Install, configure, and support PCs and software that control laboratory instruments (e.g., HPLC/UPLC, GC, dissolution and diffusion systems, FTIR, Karl-Fisher, microscopes, titrators, and spectrophotometers).
• Administer Chromatography Data Systems (CDS), including Waters Empower, encompassing user and role management, system configuration, LAC/E support and instrument integration.
• Own the backup, restore, and archiving process for instrument and scientific data, including NAS devices (Synology, QNAP); perform and document periodic restore tests to verify recoverability.
• Maintain secure configuration of laboratory devices, including network placement, , antivirus exclusions/settings, and OS hardening of instrument workstations.
• Coordinate patching and operating system upgrades on validated instrument PCs through formal change control process, working with instrument vendors, laboratory and QA personnel.
• Serve as the day-to-day IT point of contact for laboratory staff and instrument service engineers during installations, upgrades, repairs, and relocations.

GxP Compliance & Documentation (~20%)

• Maintain validated states for computerized systems in compliance with GxP and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements and ALCOA+ data integrity principles.
• Author, update and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and change control records; participate in deviations, investigations, and CAPAs related to IT systems.
• Support validation activities, including drafting and executing IQ/OQ protocols and test scripts for IT systems and laboratory informatics platforms.
• Perform periodic user access reviews and support audit trail reviews and periodic system reviews in collaboration with QA.
• Support internal, client, and regulatory audits by providing evidence of IT controls and system documentation.
• Collaboration & Vendor Coordination
• Collaborate with the Manager, GxP Systems and Site Operations, Vice President of IT, UK Site Lead, IT contractors, and cross-functional teams including QA, Laboratory, Manufacturing, and Operations.
• Coordinate with external IT and instrument vendors for system upgrades, preventive maintenance, and issue resolution.
• Participate in special projects, on‑call duty rotation, and strategic IT initiatives as required.
• Travel between the Stirrup Creek (primary) and Emperor Blvd sites (~3 miles) as needed to deliver consistent IT support across both locations.
  

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in Information Technology, Computer Science, a scientific discipline, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-motivatd IT support or systems administration experience, including at least 3 years supporting laboratory, manufacturing, or other regulated environments; pharmaceutical, biotech, or CDMO experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of GxP and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, change control, and data integrity principles.
• Experience with Chromatography Data Systems, preferably Waters Empower, is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Windows 10/11, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 administration; familiarity with Windows Server.
• Experience supporting instrument-connected PCs and scientific software in a laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with PC imaging (Microsoft Intune), backup solutions (Veeam), NAS administration (Synology/QNAP), and virtualization (VMWare).
• Working understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, Wi‑Fi).
• Strong documentation skills, with experience writing or executing SOPs, test scripts, or change controls.
• Customer-focused, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to explain technical concepts to scientists and non‑technical staff.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented; able to manage competing priorities across two sites.
• High level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential data and sensitive systems.
• Ability to travel locally between Stirrup Creek and Emperor Blvd sites as needed.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+, Microsoft 365, ITIL Foundation) are a plus.

Position Details

Supervisory Responsibility - None
Confidential Data - Yes
Budgetary Responsibility- No
Travel Requirements - Yes

• Local travel between Stirrup Creek (primary) and Emperor Blvd (~3 miles). Personal or company vehicle required. No overnight travel anticipated.

PHYSICAL DEMAND ANALYSIS

Work Environment: Office and laboratory environment across two sites, including laboratory spaces, server rooms, network closets, and general office areas. Regular work in regulated laboratory environments requires adherence to gowning, PPE, and safety procedures.

Physical Summary: Role involves a mix of desk-based and active deskside and laboratory work, including occasional lifting and moving of IT equipment, working under desks and benches, reaching into server racks, and moving between workstations, labs, and server rooms.

All position requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or experience necessary to perform the job proficiently. This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Employees will be required to perform any other job‑related duties as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.