Role Overview
Cognizant is seeking a Sr. Lab System Support Engineer to support and govern laboratory systems and non-networked laboratory instruments within regulated Life Sciences environments.
This role is responsible for establishing and maintaining governance processes, system controls, backup and restoration procedures, privileged access management, instrument inventory management, and compliance-related activities to ensure secure, reliable, and compliant laboratory operations.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience supporting laboratory systems, computer system validation, GxP compliance, and regulated environments while collaborating with Quality, IT, Metrology, Laboratory Operations, and third-party vendors.
Work Model
This position follows a Onsite work model.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Systems Support
- Provide first-level hands-on support for laboratory software systems and instrument integration platforms.
- Troubleshoot and resolve laboratory system incidents, service requests, and technical issues.
- Coordinate with Desktop Support, Infrastructure, and Network teams on hardware- and connectivity-related issues.
- Support routine system maintenance and ensure minimal disruption to laboratory operations.
- Collaborate with vendors during system failures, maintenance activities, upgrades, and troubleshooting efforts.
Laboratory Instrument Governance
- Lead governance activities for non-networked laboratory instruments.
- Establish and maintain manual backup and restoration processes for laboratory systems and instruments.
- Define and implement risk-based instrument categorization frameworks.
- Develop and maintain centralized inventories of laboratory instruments, including classification and control parameters.
- Ensure instrument governance processes align with corporate and regulatory requirements.
Access & Security Management
- Establish and maintain administrator account management procedures.
- Implement secure privileged access controls, including:
- Administrator Account Management
- Credential Custody and Handover
- Password Rotation Processes
- Access Reviews
- Implement controlled date and time management processes with documented exception handling.
- Support data integrity initiatives through effective access management and security controls.
Documentation & SOP Management
- Develop, update, and maintain:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Work Instructions (WIs)
- User Guides
- Configuration Documentation
- Support Procedures
- Ensure documentation remains current and compliant with regulatory standards.
- Support continuous improvement of laboratory governance procedures and operational processes.
Compliance & Validation Support
- Ensure laboratory systems are maintained in accordance with:
- Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- GxP Requirements
- FDA Regulations
- Support Computer System Validation (CSV) activities, including validation documentation and execution support.
- Assist with maintaining validated states for laboratory systems and instruments.
- Ensure compliance with established SOPs, validation procedures, and quality standards.
Quality & Regulatory Support
- Support audit readiness activities and regulatory inspections.
- Assist with audit inquiries and compliance-related requests from Laboratory IT.
- Support:
- Deviations
- Change Controls
- CAPAs
- Problem Management Activities
- Maintain audit trails and support data archival processes.
- Ensure documentation and evidence are available for internal and external audits.
Service Management & Continuous Improvement
- Utilize ticketing platforms such as ServiceNow for incident, request, and change management activities.
- Participate in root-cause analysis and issue investigation activities.
- Recommend process improvements that enhance system reliability, compliance, and operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to drive continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory support functions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent work experience.
- Experience supporting laboratory systems and laboratory instruments within regulated Life Sciences environments.
- Good knowledge of:
- GxP Regulations
- GLP
- GMP
- FDA Compliance Requirements
- Experience with Computer System Validation (CSV).
- Understanding of laboratory instruments and analytical technologies.
- Familiarity with laboratory software systems and instrument integration platforms.
- Experience creating and maintaining SOPs and Work Instructions.
- Knowledge of:
- Incident Management
- Problem Management
- Change Management
- CAPA Processes
- Deviation Management
- Experience using ServiceNow or similar ticketing systems.
- Strong troubleshooting and technical support skills.
- Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to work effectively within regulated environments and follow established procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device laboratories.
- Knowledge of laboratory instrument lifecycle management.
- Experience supporting audit and inspection readiness activities.
- Familiarity with laboratory data integrity requirements and ALCOA+ principles.
- Experience working with Metrology and Quality organizations.
- Exposure to infrastructure, desktop support, and laboratory network environments.
- Understanding of computerized laboratory systems and instrument integration technologies.
Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge
Candidates should demonstrate experience with:
- Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- GxP Compliance
- Computer System Validation (CSV)
- FDA Regulatory Requirements
- Data Integrity Principles
- Change Control Processes
- CAPA Management
- Audit and Inspection Readiness
- Laboratory System Governance
Salary and Other Compensation
The annual salary for this position is anticipated to be between $95,000 and $115,000 USD , depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.
In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for:
- Annual performance-based bonus
- Merit-based compensation increases
- Employee referral bonuses, where applicable
The compensation information provided is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify compensation information based on business needs and applicable laws.
Benefits
Cognizant offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
- 401(k) Plan with Company Contributions (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (where available)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Parental Leave and Family Care Benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Programs
- Access to Learning, Certification, and Career Development Opportunities
Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan terms.
Why Cognizant
- Support critical laboratory systems for leading Life Sciences organizations.
- Work within highly regulated environments that impact product quality and patient safety.
- Collaborate with laboratory, quality, validation, and IT professionals across global organizations.
- Gain exposure to laboratory technologies, validation practices, and compliance programs.
- Access ongoing training, certifications, and career development opportunities.
- Join a global organization committed to innovation, quality, and operational excellence.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all associates feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.