LIMS System & Data Specialist II

LIMS System & Data Specialist II

Columbus, Ohio

At Forge Biologics, we believe in turning bold ideas into life-changing realities. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enable access to life-changing gene therapies and help bring them from ideas into reality. We partner with scientists, physicians, biotech and pharma innovators, and patient communities — all united by one goal: improving lives. If you're driven by purpose and excited to make a tangible impact, this is where your journey begins.

Our team works out of The Hearth, a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot cGMP facility in Columbus, Ohio. Here, you won't just watch innovation happen — you'll be part of it. Whether you're scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting complex technical projects, you'll play a key role in bringing hope to patients with genetic diseases.

What sets Forge apart is our culture of H.O.P.E. We are hardworking, showing up each day with determination and grit. We are open, creating a space where ideas flow freely, and every voice is valued. We are purpose-driven, with every task directly tied to changing lives. And we are engaged, energized by the challenges we face and the milestones we achieve together.

At Forge, your growth matters. We're committed to helping you expand your skills, take on new challenges, and develop your career through mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities for advancement. Our people are our greatest investment, and we're proud to see team members grow with us.

If you're ready to use your talent to help deliver hope to patients around the world, join us — and be part of something bigger than yourself.

About The Role

The LIMS System & Data Specialist II role will be the primary business user for the Veeva Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) within the Quality Control (QC) group. This role is responsible for building and maintaining test definitions, sample plans, specification requirements and study designs in LIMS to support in-process, release, and stability testing for AAV, plasmid, cell bank, buffer, and raw materials, along with generation of electronic Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Certificate of Testing (COT) documents needed to support batch release or disposition. Acting as a Tier 1 LIMS support resource, this role partners closely with QC subject matter experts, QA, IT, and the LIMS System Administrator to support compliant system use, continuous improvement, and adoption of new LIMS functionality. This position plays a critical role in maintaining data integrity, operational readiness, and inspection preparedness in support of client gene therapy programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide Tier 1 LIMS support
• Build and maintain test definitions, sampling plans, specifications, and stability protocols in Veeva LIMS, in collaboration with QC SMEs.
• Configure and issue Certificates of Analysis (COA) and Certificates of Testing (COT) in support of batch release and disposition.
• Support routine troubleshooting of data-related issues and escalate technical problems to System Admin or vendor as needed.
• Work with System Administrator to develop user requirements and test scripts for custom scripts, code, or automation tools to support LIMS integration with analytical instruments and other enterprise systems.
• Work closely with IT, QA, and QC leadership to test system settings, user roles, and permissions.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff to identify system improvements and customize LIMS functionalities.
• Develop SOPs, training materials, and documentation for LIMS system use and best practices.
• Train QC personnel on LIMS functionalities, data entry procedures, and reporting workflows.
• Ensure LIMS operations comply with GMP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, USP, and data integrity requirements.
• Support internal and external regulatory audits and inspections by providing LIMS documentation and system access as required.
• Collaborate on periodic system reviews and validations to maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
• Work with QC leadership to support ongoing LIMS improvements and upgrades.
• Assist in integrating LIMS with other business systems and instruments.
• Assist with generating routine QC reports and trending data as requested.

Qualifications

• AS or BS in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field is preferred, with degrees in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Experience working in a GxP-regulated laboratory environment (biologics, gene therapy, or pharmaceuticals preferred).
• Familiarity with Veeva LIMS or other enterprise LIMS platforms (LabWare, LabVantage, STARLIMS, etc.).
• Experience working in compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GMP, and data integrity regulations.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and training abilities to support QC personnel.
• Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams (QC, QA, IT, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, and external vendors).
• Ability to work onsite (in Columbus, Ohio) 2-3 days/week on average.

Preferred Skills

• Understanding of QC analytical methods, sample types, and AAV manufacturing processes, or viral vector manufacturing.
• Familiarity with database management, system validation, and software lifecycle management.
• Basic understanding of data governance principles (controlled vocabularies, data dictionaries, master data ownership).
• Exposure to regulatory inspections and providing LIMS-related documentation.
• Prior experience supporting user training or developing SOPs/guides for LIMS users.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position is primarily performed in a temperature-controlled office environment with standard business equipment. The role involves frequent sitting or standing, computer work, and fine hand manipulation, with occasional lifting or carrying of items up to 25 pounds. A standard Monday–Friday schedule applies, with flexibility for hybrid work, overtime, or limited travel as needed.

Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We've Got You Covered:

At Forge Biologics, we believe our people deserve to be taken care of – in and out of the workplace. We've built a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to help you thrive, grow, and feel valued every step of the way:

Health from day one

• Health, dental and vision insurance start your first day – with 90% of premiums covered for you and your family.

Time to recharge

• A competitive paid time off plan – because rest fuels innovation.
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave so you can focus on family when it matters most.

Rewarding your impact

• Annual bonus opportunities for all full-time team members.
• 401(k) with company match to help you plan for the future.
• Special employee discounts, including childcare and dependent care savings.

Your wellness, supported

• Onsite fitness facility at The Hearth.
• Mental health counseling and financial planning services through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage to protect your peace of mind.

Fuel for your workday

• A fully stocked kitchen with free snacks and beverages – we keep you energized and ready for what's next.

Grow with us

• Ongoing professional development resources, training, and mentorship programs to help you build your career and grow within Forge.