From the Bench to the Backend

If you’re coming from a wet lab background and considering a move into the world of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), you’re not alone. Many scientists reach a point where they want to leverage their technical expertise in a new way—one that involves technology, data management, and process optimization.

But making this leap isn’t always straightforward. Most advice boils down to “learn SQL” or “get familiar with a LIMS,” which, while helpful, doesn’t capture the full scope of what it takes to transition successfully. In this article, we’ll go beyond the clichés and explore actionable steps that help you bridge the gap between benchwork and informatics.

Why Transition to a LIMS Role?

Working in a LIMS role offers the opportunity to:

• Solve the inefficiencies you’ve seen firsthand in the lab.

• Bridge the gap between science and technology.

• Develop in-demand skills that open doors to new career paths.

• Work on big-picture challenges like compliance, automation, and workflow optimization.

What Makes Wet Lab Scientists Ideal for LIMS Roles?

Your experience as a wet lab scientist gives you a unique advantage. You’ve worked at the core of lab operations, giving you an innate understanding of:

• Processes: You know how samples flow, how data is generated, and where bottlenecks occur.

• Pain Points: You’ve felt the frustration of manual data entry, inconsistent workflows, and tracking errors.

• Lab Speak: You understand the language of scientists, making you an excellent communicator between lab staff and IT teams.

These skills aren’t just relevant—they’re critical in designing and implementing LIMS solutions that work.

How to Transition: Practical Steps

Here’s a high-level guide to help you move from the bench to a LIMS role:

1. Understand the Purpose of a LIMS

Before diving into technical skills, focus on the “why” behind LIMS. A LIMS exists to:

• Streamline data collection and storage.

• Maintain regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11).

• Reduce errors and improve efficiency.

Frame your lab experience in this context. For example, if you’ve managed sample tracking manually, think about how a LIMS could automate that process.

LIMS isn’t the only kind lab software. I cover the other common lab software types in this article.

2. Learn to Bridge the Gap

Transitioning into a LIMS role requires translating lab needs into technical solutions. To do this:

• Observe how your current lab interacts with its LIMS (if one exists).

• Volunteer for cross-functional projects involving IT, validation, or automation.

• Practice explaining lab workflows to non-scientists—this skill is invaluable for liaising between lab and IT teams.

3. Highlight Transferable Skills

You may already have experience in areas that are highly relevant to LIMS roles, such as:

• Sample and Instrument Management: If you’ve managed instruments or reagents, you’ve dealt with aspects of LIMS functionality.

• Data Analysis: Any experience with tools like Excel, R, or Python can be reframed as technical expertise.

• Compliance: If you’ve worked in regulated environments, your knowledge of GxP and audit trails is highly valuable.

Reframe these skills on your resume to show how they align with LIMS responsibilities.

4. Dive into Regulatory Knowledge

Regulations like FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GAMP 5, and ISO 17025 are foundational in LIMS implementations.

Start by:

• Reading guidelines and industry white papers.

•Watching webinars or taking online courses on compliance.

• Applying this knowledge to understand how LIMS help labs meet regulatory requirements.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating the Learning Curve: LIMS roles require learning new tools and frameworks, so give yourself time.

• Neglecting Communication Skills: A major part of the job is acting as a translator between lab staff and IT teams.

• Focusing Only on Technical Skills: While SQL and scripting are valuable, they’re just part of the picture. Process knowledge and compliance expertise are equally important.

Final Thoughts

Making the leap from a wet lab to a LIMS role isn’t about starting over—it’s about leveraging your lab experience in new ways. By reframing your existing skills, gaining hands-on experience with LIMS tools, and understanding the regulatory landscape, you can position yourself as the ideal candidate for a LIMS role.

Your bench skills are more valuable than you think. It’s time to put them to work in the informatics world.