Data Systems Specialist - Laboratories

Onterris•Orange, CA

3d•$30 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

Onterris Laboratories is seeking a Laboratory Data Systems Specialist to connect laboratory operations with technology solutions. The role translates operational and client needs into practical tools, workflows, reporting solutions, automation opportunities, and system enhancements that improve efficiency, reduce manual effort, and support laboratory growth. The position is primarily focused on CT LIMS at the Orange and Anaheim sites and serves as the local technical systems advocate, supporting adoption, standardization, and effective use of enterprise systems. It uses a standard-first approach: assess existing CT LIMS or other enterprise functionality before proposing custom work, and pursue custom solutions only when essential and justified. Documented interim workarounds may be used when a requirement cannot yet be met, provided they are formally registered and tracked toward permanent resolution. The specialist is the local point of contact for routine CT LIMS configuration and user requirements, coordinating with the enterprise LIMS team as needed, but does not develop or modify CT LIMS code. The role develops and maintains operational tools such as spreadsheets, forms, trackers, reports, and workflow solutions. It uses approved AI coding tools and the LIMS team’s GitHub repository for local solutions, with version control, documentation, and user-testing records. The specialist evaluates manual processes for simplification and digitization, develops and validates workflows and worksheets, and supports implementation activities such as user acceptance testing, go-lives, and initial production cycles. The position also verifies CT LIMS configuration against bench practice, prepares documentation and training materials, and monitors the effectiveness of implemented solutions. This is a full-time, permanent, 100% onsite position working Monday through Friday during normal business hours between the Orange and Anaheim locations. The specialist reports to the Laboratory Director, with a dotted-line relationship to the Director of Enterprise LIMS. Day-to-day work is directed by the Orange Laboratory Director in coordination with the LIMS team. Compensation is $30 to $40, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.

Requirements

At least 3 years of laboratory experience and a strong understanding of laboratory operations and workflows.
Science degree or diploma, or equivalent experience.
Hands-on CT LIMS proficiency gained through operational use, including a track record of solving CT LIMS problems and helping colleagues use it correctly.
Advanced Excel and data management skills, including building documented and validated tools that others can support.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including the ability to translate business needs into technical requirements.
Comfort using AI-assisted tools to build and test solutions; this is not a traditional programming role.
Excellent communication, precise technical writing, and organizational skills.
Working knowledge of data integrity in an accredited laboratory, such as TNI/NELAP or state accreditation, including control of spreadsheets used for calculations.
Credibility at the bench, sound judgment in distinguishing operational needs from familiar practices, ability to follow through without close supervision, and willingness to raise risks early.
Experience leading or adopting a lasting process change, including giving up a preferred way of working in favor of a standard approach.

Nice To Haves

Onterris laboratory experience, ideally in a CT LIMS chemistry or data review role.
Genuine interest in computers and technology, including AI knowledge or use, and experience with reporting tools, databases, automation platforms, version control such as GitHub, or laboratory systems.

Responsibilities

Partner with laboratory, project management, business development, and operational excellence teams to understand operational and client requirements.
Gather and document requirements for reporting, automation, workflows, and system enhancements; classify requests as Use As-Is, Work Around, or Build New with documented rationale, and challenge requests that reflect preference rather than business need.
Coordinate with the LIMS development team to communicate requirements, test solutions, and support implementation; submit fully specified and evidence-supported requests for new LIMS coding through the agreed prioritization process.
Track site requests through completion, communicate status and barriers, and escalate unresolved or time-sensitive needs to Laboratory Management when standard prioritization does not meet business timelines.
Check whether requested EDDs or client reports already exist, gather complete specifications, and establish why a non-standard format is needed before requests reach the EDD developer.
Develop and maintain operational tools, spreadsheets, forms, trackers, reports, and workflow solutions, including validated Excel e-logs, digital bottle locations, bottle preparation automation, and tools built from LIMS data extracts.
Build local solutions using approved AI coding tools and the LIMS team’s GitHub repository, maintaining version control, documentation, and user-testing records.
Confirm with the LIMS team that an enterprise system or planned project does not already address a need before building a local tool; contribute requirements to enterprise projects where appropriate.
Evaluate manual processes for simplification, digitization, and automation, aligning with Onterris standards before automating existing practices.
Develop, test, and validate workflows and worksheets before full automation or system integration, with validation approved by site QA.
Support reporting, workflow, automation, and data management initiatives, including user acceptance testing, go-lives, and first production cycles.
Verify CT LIMS configuration against bench practice before release and, once trained, maintain routine configuration within program change control.
Create process documentation, user guides, and training materials; draft SOP and work instruction changes for site QA approval; train users on changed workflows.
Monitor implemented solutions and recommend improvements, feeding lessons learned back into the CT LIMS program.
Attend weekly CT LIMS program meetings and raise risks early with the Orange Laboratory Director and LIMS team.
Respond to urgent operational and client requests within the agreed priority process while balancing them against planned project work.