Associate/ Senior Systems Administrator at Forma Life Sciences

Description

Forma Life Sciences

Job Title: Associate/ Senior Systems Administrator

Department: IT

 ***Level will be commensurate to years of experience

What We Do

Forma is a next-generation Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) based in Irvine, California. The company was recently formed through the acquisition of the Irvine operations from BioDuro and is operating as a newly established, independent entity. As a result, Forma’s standalone online presence is still being built.

We are a lean, entrepreneurial organization of approximately 60 employees focused on drug product development and manufacturing for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.

Why Forma?

Unlike large, highly layered organizations, Forma operates with a hands-on, execution-driven model. Our teams work closely across functions to solve complex technical and operational challenges, move quickly, and deliver consistently high-quality results.

Employees at Forma are expected to take on meaningful responsibility, collaborate directly with colleagues and clients, and contribute to building scalable systems and processes as the company grows. This is an environment well suited to individuals who value autonomy, technical excellence, and the opportunity to help shape a growing organization. 

Job Overview/Summary

The Associate Systems Administrator provides technical and operational support for IT and laboratory computer systems in a regulated environment. This role assists with day-to-day system administration, user support, documentation, and basic validation activities for laboratory and business systems.

The position is designed for professionals looking to develop hands-on experience in IT systems support, GxP compliance, and computer system validation while working under the guidance of senior IT and quality professionals. Based on experience this position is available for a more senior role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Systems & User Support

• Provide first-level support for IT and laboratory computer systems, including user account setup, access management, and basic troubleshooting.
• Assist with desktop, workstation, and laboratory instrument computer support.
• Respond to service requests and incidents in a timely and professional manner.
• Escalate complex technical issues to senior IT staff as appropriate.

Laboratory & ERP Application Support

• Provide hands-on system administration support for laboratory and enterprise applications, including Empower chromatography data systems, spectroscopy software, TrackWise, Ignition, MasterControl, and NetSuite.
• Support NetSuite configuration and ongoing buildout, including user provisioning, role-based access controls, permission sets, workflows, saved searches, dashboards, and module setup, in collaboration with finance, quality, and operations teams.
•  Assist with implementation and optimization of NetSuite modules and integrations as the organization scales.
• Support routine maintenance of laboratory PCs, application servers, and virtual environments, including user access, patching, and basic troubleshooting.
• Help ensure laboratory and ERP systems remain available, secure, compliant where applicable, and properly documented.

Validation & Compliance Support

• Assist with computer system validation (CSV) activities, including document preparation, execution support, and record maintenance.
• Support IQ/OQ/PQ testing activities under direction of senior validation staff.
• Help maintain validation documentation in accordance with GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, and internal SOPs.
• Participate in SOP reviews and controlled document updates.

Documentation & Quality

• Maintain accurate system documentation, logs, and records.
• Follow established IT, security, and quality procedures.
• Support audits and inspections by providing requested documentation and evidence.

Learning & Development

• Participate in training related to IT systems, laboratory applications, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop foundational knowledge of GAMP, CSV, data integrity, and regulated system lifecycles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and learn best practices from senior staff.
• This job description is subject to change at any time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a scientific discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 0–3 years of experience in IT support, systems administration, or technical support (internships and co-op experience acceptable) for junior level. 4-8+ years of experience for mid to senior level.
• Basic understanding of Windows operating systems, user account management, and troubleshooting concepts.
• Strong willingness to learn regulated IT systems and validation practices.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Exposure to pharmaceutical, biotech, laboratory, or regulated environments.
• Familiarity with laboratory instruments or scientific software.
• Basic understanding of GxP, data integrity, or 21 CFR Part 11 (training acceptable).
• Experience with ticketing systems, documentation, or SOP-driven environments.

Benefits

We offer full health benefits, paid vacation and sick leave, an aggressive bonus structure, and market-competitive salaries to all our employees. In addition, Forma provides employees with a variety of engaging employee and community outreach events. We strive to reward and promote employees who exhibit our values of Accountability, Respect, Tenacity, Results and Integrity.

EOE and Accommodation

We value diversity and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, gender expression, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Forma provides reasonable accommodation in job application procedures for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need accommodation in connection with the recruiting process due to a disability, you may use the alternative methods by emailing [email protected]. If you are selected to interview for a position, you may also request an accommodation with our team directly.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Forma is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Forma employee by a third-party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Forma. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.