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

Competitive salary: $90,000 - $120,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, skills, and location.
Hybrid work model: Associates are expected to work onsite and remotely in accordance with business and client requirements.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k), and other benefits in accordance with applicable plans and programs.
Opportunity to work with talented professionals on impactful projects in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.

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.

Contact Information

Location: Rahway, New Jersey, United States (Hybrid)

Work Model: Hybrid

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.

About Cognizant

Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider that helps clients build full-stack AI solutions, bridging the gap between AI investment and business value. Leveraging our deep industry, business process, and engineering expertise, we embed the unique business environment of our clients into their technology and systems, unlocking human potential and delivering proven results, while helping global companies stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. For more information, visit cognizant.ai.

Additional Employment Information

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

Applicants may be asked to participate in a virtual or in-person interview. During each interview, applicants may be asked to present a currently valid state or government-issued identification.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Benefits to Support Your Growth and Well-being

Our benefits programs are designed with you in mind, supporting a full, balanced, and healthy life.

Financial Well-being

We regularly review market data to ensure that the value you bring is fairly reflected in your compensation. Benefits go beyond salary to include retirement and pension plans, as well as financial education.

Physical and Mental Health

We support your well-being through paid time off, flexible working arrangements where possible, health insurance plans, counseling, and mental health allyship programs.

Your Career, Your Way

With over 350,000 roles across Cognizant, you have the opportunity to explore new technologies, industries, and locations. You can develop the skills you need to grow your career on your terms.

Real-world Impact

Think of the world-class brands you trust. Many of them count on us to help them power their business. Here, you can turn bold ideas into real-world solutions that improve lives.

Your Career Journey at Cognizant

Here’s how the hiring process works. Note that the process may vary slightly depending on the role and location, so please refer to the FAQ for more details.

Step 1: Apply for the Right Role

Find the right role for you based on your skills and career goals, and tell us why you’re the perfect fit. If you don’t see a role that fits, consider joining our Talent Community.

Step 2: Connect with a Recruiter

If our recruiters believe you’re a good fit, they’ll set up a short online chat (initial contact) to learn more about you and how your experience and skills match the role.

Step 3: Showcase Your Skills

If both parties decide to move forward, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Depending on the role, this may include a technical assessment or client interview.

Step 4: Final Decision

Our team will then review all candidates to determine who is the best fit for the role. This step may take some time, but we’ll keep you updated along the way.

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Senior Lab Systems Support Engineer (Pharma)

Job description