Lab Support Engineer

Katalyst CRO; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst CRO in Waltham, MA is seeking a technically skilled Laboratory IT Specialist to provide operational support for laboratory systems, ensuring scientists can perform daily activities efficiently.

You will build, configure, and validate IT systems and instruments, integrate LIMs, ELN, CDS, and imaging systems, collaborate with Science, Facilities, Quality, and IT, and develop scripts to streamline workflows; a Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering (or related) and LIMS/ELN experience are

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with lab IT systems, including setup, configuration and troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting or implementing LIMS, ELN, or other scientific informatics systems in a GxP context.
• Knowledge of lab instrumentation, imaging solutions, and data acquisition tools.
• Familiarity with IQ/OQ/PQ validation and CSV/21 CFR Part 11 practices.
• Proficiency in scripting (Python/PowerShell) and strong documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical operational support for laboratory-based systems to ensure scientists can perform daily activities efficiently.
• Build, configure, and validate laboratory IT systems and instruments, ensuring integration across LIMs, ELN, CDS, and imaging systems.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Science, Facilities, Quality, and IT teams to deliver and support new lab technologies and infrastructure.
• Develop basic scripts or automation tools to streamline lab workflows, data transfers, and reporting processes.
• Participate in validation and qualification processes for lab systems in accordance with GxP and internal compliance standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation and system inventory (CMDB) while partnering with strategic vendors to evaluate emerging lab solutions.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation within digital lab environments.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Scripting

Laboratory IT support

System troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

LIMS

ELN

CDS

Imaging systems

Job description

• Provide technical operational support for laboratory-based systems to ensure scientists can perform daily activities efficiently
• Build, configure, and validate laboratory IT systems and instruments, ensuring proper integration across applications such as LIMs, ELN, CDS, and equipment imaging systems
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Science, Facilities, Quality, and IT teams to deliver and support new lab technologies and infrastructure
• Develop basic scripts or automation tools to streamline lab workflows, data transfers, and reporting processes
• Participate in validation and qualification processes for lab systems in accordance with GxP and internal compliance standards
• Maintain accurate documentation and system inventory (CMDB) while partnering with strategic vendors to evaluate emerging lab solutions
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation within digital lab environments

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide technical operational support for laboratory-based systems to ensure scientists can perform daily activities efficiently
• Build, configure, and validate laboratory IT systems and instruments, ensuring proper integration across applications such as LIMs, ELN, CDS, and equipment imaging systems
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Science, Facilities, Quality, and IT teams to deliver and support new lab technologies and infrastructure
• Develop basic scripts or automation tools to streamline lab workflows, data transfers, and reporting processes
• Participate in validation and qualification processes for lab systems in accordance with GxP and internal compliance standards
• Maintain accurate documentation and system inventory (CMDB) while partnering with strategic vendors to evaluate emerging lab solutions
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation within digital lab environments

Education & Experience

• Proven technical hands-on experience with lab systems, including setup, configuration, and troubleshooting (not purely functional or BA-level experience)
• Experience supporting or implementing LIMS, ELN, or other scientific informatics systems, preferably within a GxP-regulated environment
• Understanding of lab instruments, imaging systems, and data acquisition tools; ability to support system connectivity and integration
• Exposure to validation and qualification activities (e.g., IQ/OQ/PQ) and familiarity with common documentation practices
• Basic scripting or automation experience (e.g., Python, PowerShell, or similar)
• Ability to work collaboratively across lab and IT functions to translate user needs into technical solutions
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with attention to detail and documentation accuracy
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical disciplineor equivalent experience
• Experience working in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare IT environment supporting laboratory operations
• Knowledge of GxP validation frameworks and computerized system lifecycle processes (CSV, 21 CFR Part 11)
• Familiarity with instrument integration, imaging solutions, and lab network infrastructure
• Experience supporting 1st/2nd line incidents within a regulated lab environment using ticketing/CMDB tools
• Strong balance of LIMS administration and hands-on laboratory systems experience