About the Position

Job Summary

Cognizant is seeking a Senior Laboratory Systems Support Engineer to support and enhance laboratory systems, analytical instruments, and associated data workflows within a regulated pharmaceutical environment. This role is responsible for the lifecycle management of laboratory computerized systems, ensuring compliance with GxP requirements, data integrity standards, and regulatory expectations.

The ideal candidate combines laboratory systems knowledge, IT support expertise, and a strong understanding of pharmaceutical quality and compliance requirements. This role partners closely with Laboratory Operations, Quality Assurance, IT, and external vendors to ensure reliable, compliant, and efficient laboratory system performance.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Systems Lifecycle Management

Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of laboratory systems, including implementation, validation, maintenance, upgrades, and retirement.
Support Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Computer System Validation (CSV), and GxP compliance activities.
Coordinate system patching, backup, restoration, archival, and disaster recovery activities.
Maintain audit readiness through accurate documentation and adherence to validation and compliance requirements.
Support onboarding and decommissioning of laboratory systems and applications.

Laboratory Systems Support

Provide Level 1 and Level 2 support for laboratory software applications and instrument integration platforms.
Troubleshoot software, hardware, and connectivity issues affecting laboratory systems and analytical instruments.
Coordinate with desktop, network, and infrastructure support teams to resolve hardware and network-related issues.
Manage user access activities, including account creation, modification, and deactivation in accordance with established procedures.
Perform routine backup and restoration activities for standalone, benchtop, and enterprise laboratory systems.
Support software installations, upgrades, and configuration management activities.

Vendor Management and Coordination

Serve as the primary point of contact for laboratory system vendors and service providers.
Coordinate vendor-led installations, maintenance activities, repairs, and upgrades.
Monitor vendor performance against service level agreements (SLAs).
Manage vendor documentation, deliverables, issue tracking, and escalation management.
Facilitate vendor engagement during system incidents, hardware failures, and scheduled maintenance activities.

Compliance and Quality Support

Ensure laboratory systems operate in compliance with GLP, GMP, GxP, data integrity, and regulatory requirements.
Support Computer System Validation activities, including qualification documentation, testing, and change implementation.
Participate in Change Control, Deviation, CAPA, and Problem Management processes.
Maintain system-related procedures, SOPs, work instructions, and technical documentation.
Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits by providing system documentation, evidence, and responses to audit inquiries.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with laboratory personnel, Quality Assurance, Validation, and IT teams to resolve issues and improve system performance.
Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize laboratory workflows and system utilization.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and data integrity.
Support laboratory business processes by ensuring systems align with operational and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience supporting laboratory systems within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or regulated life sciences industry.
Good understanding of GxP regulations, including GMP, GLP, and data integrity requirements.
Knowledge of Computer System Validation (CSV) principles and regulatory compliance expectations.
Experience supporting laboratory software and instrument integration environments.
Familiarity with analytical laboratory instruments such as HPLC, GC, spectrophotometers, or similar technologies.
Experience using IT service management and ticketing platforms such as ServiceNow, Remedy, or equivalent.
Understanding of Change Management, Deviation Management, CAPA, and Problem Management processes.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and highly regulated environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting laboratory informatics platforms such as CDS, LIMS, ELN, SDMS, or laboratory integration solutions.
Familiarity with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 compliance requirements.
Experience supporting audit readiness and regulatory inspections.
Knowledge of system backup, restoration, and disaster recovery processes.
Understanding of pharmaceutical laboratory operations and analytical workflows.
Exposure to validation documentation, testing protocols, and qualification activities.

We Offer

Financial Security

We regularly review market data to ensure that compensation reflects the value you bring. Our benefits go beyond salary and may include retirement plans, financial education, and more.

Physical and Mental Health

We empower you to prioritize your well-being with paid time off, flexible work models where possible, health benefits, counseling, our Mental Health Allyship Program, and more.

Your Career, Your Path

With over 350,000 positions at Cognizant, you have the opportunity to explore new technologies, industries, and locations-and build the skills you need to advance your career.

Real-World Impact

Think of the biggest brands you rely on. Chances are, they rely on us to power their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve lives everywhere.

About the Company

At Cognizant, we help some of the world's leading life sciences organizations accelerate innovation and improve patient outcomes through technology, data, and digital transformation. You'll work with talented professionals on impactful projects in a collaborative and inclusive environment while continuing to grow your career and technical expertise.

We are committed to fostering a culture that values diversity, inclusion, continuous learning, and professional development.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Location

Rahway, New Jersey, United States (Hybrid)

Work Model

Hybrid. Associates are expected to work onsite and remotely in accordance with business and client requirements.

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is $90,000 - $120,000, depending on experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, subject to plan terms and individual performance. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k), and other benefits in accordance with applicable plans and programs.

Additional Employment Information

The compensation information is accurate as of the date of this job posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time in accordance with applicable laws.

Applicants may be required to participate in interviews in person or via video conference. Additionally, applicants may be required to present a valid government-issued photo ID at each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered or rejected based on race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Your Path to Cognizant

Here’s what to expect during our hiring process. Please note that this may vary by position and location. For more information, please visit our FAQs.

Step 1: Apply for the Right Role

Find an open position that matches your skills and career goals, and show us why you’re the right fit for the job. Can’t find the right opportunity? Join our Talent Community.

Step 2: Connect with Your Recruiter

If one of our recruiters sees a match, they’ll schedule a brief introductory call to learn more about you and how your experience and skills align with the position.

Step 3: Showcase Your Skills

If you and our team decide to move forward, you’ll speak with our hiring team. For some positions, technical assessments and/or client interviews may be required.

Step 4: Time for Decision

Our team will then review each candidate’s potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time as we want to find the right fit for you and for us-but you can trust that we’ll keep you updated along the way.

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Senior Lab Systems Support Engineer (Pharma)

Job description