Role Overview
Our Client's Research & Pre-Clinical Development IT group is seeking a Scientific Business Analyst (SBA) to support the Automation Technologies Core Group (ATCG). Sitting within the IT organization, you will serve as a dedicated scientific business partner to ATCG's laboratory core groups, working at the intersection of laboratory science and information technology to understand their operational needs and translate them into effective system solutions.
You will support two active strategic initiatives on behalf of ATCG: the modernization of laboratory tube printing and bulk material aliquotting workflows, and the re-platforming of an automated biobanking orchestration system. Both projects involve replacing legacy systems with a modern commercial LIMS platform, and are part of a broader sample lifecycle management program spanning multiple groups and systems across the organization.
This is a hands-on, delivery-focused contract role that requires both analytical thinking and strong communication skills. You will work directly with scientists, laboratory operators, and IT colleagues to gather requirements, design workflows, validate solutions, and support successful delivery. The ideal candidate is able to ramp up quickly, work independently, and contribute meaningfully from day one.
Key Responsibilities
Requirements & Workflow Analysis - Partner with scientific SMEs and laboratory operators to understand current workflows, identify pain points, and define future-state requirements - Conduct structured requirements gathering sessions and document findings in clear, actionable formats - Translate complex laboratory processes into functional specifications that can be understood by both technical and non-technical stakeholders - Map end-to-end workflows, identifying integration points between systems and handoffs between teams
System Design & Configuration Support - Support the configuration and validation of a commercial LIMS platform to meet the specific needs of laboratory core groups - Work with system administrators and developers to design user-friendly workflows that reduce manual effort and improve data quality - Ensure that configurable system parameters are designed to empower end users to make adjustments without IT intervention - Identify opportunities to introduce automation that reduces low-value manual tasks and improves throughput
Project Delivery - Develop and maintain requirements documentation, user stories, process maps, and workflow diagrams - Support Agile/SAFe delivery practices including backlog grooming, sprint planning, and stakeholder reviews - Coordinate User Acceptance Testing (UAT) - developing test plans, supporting testers, and tracking issue resolution - Assist in managing project timelines, identifying dependencies, and communicating status to stakeholders - Support change management and end-user training activities during system rollouts
Stakeholder Collaboration - Build effective working relationships with ATCG scientific core groups, serving as a trusted IT business partner who understands both their scientific context and their system needs - Facilitate cross-functional working sessions between laboratory, IT, and program stakeholders - Communicate clearly and concisely across audiences - from bench-level scientists to senior leadership
Required Skills & Experience
Experience - 2-5 years of experience in a business analyst, systems analyst, or scientific informatics role - Experience working in a life sciences, pharmaceutical, or biotech environment strongly preferred - Familiarity with laboratory workflows, sample management, or LIMS systems is a significant plus - Experience working within Agile or SAFe delivery frameworks - Experience with requirements documentation, process mapping, and user story writing - Proven ability to work independently and deliver in a contract or project-based engagement
Technical Skills - Ability to read and interpret data flows, system integration diagrams, and workflow documentation - Comfort working with LIMS or laboratory informatics platforms (configuration experience a plus) - Familiarity with tools such as Jira, Confluence, or similar project and documentation platforms - Basic understanding of API-based system integrations and data exchange concepts is beneficial
Core Competencies - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills - able to break down complex problems and identify practical solutions - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to translate technical concepts for scientific audiences and scientific concepts for technical audiences - Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously - Collaborative working style with a genuine curiosity about how laboratory science operates - Comfortable ramping up quickly in a complex, fast-paced environment with evolving priorities