Junior Architectural Lab Planner

Gilder Search Group; Missouri; On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Annual Bonus

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job summary

LJC is seeking a Lab Planner to support planning, programming, and design of laboratory and research facilities in the life sciences sector. You will work with senior planners and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-performance, flexible, and compliant environments.

The role emphasizes developing layouts, coordinating with stakeholders, and applying regulatory and sustainability standards, with opportunities for mentorship and travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Laboratory Planning, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in laboratory planning and design within life sciences.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory typologies, equipment, operational needs, and planning strategies.
• Experience with biosafety level (BSL) laboratories and/or cleanroom environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning, programming, and design of laboratory and research facilities across life sciences project types.
• Develop laboratory layouts, workflows, and space requirements for functionality, flexibility, safety, and adaptability.
• Integrate technical, operational, regulatory, and sustainability considerations into planning and design solutions.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to develop innovative laboratory designs.
• Mentor and develop junior lab planners, architects, and designers.
• Travel as required to support client engagement and planning efforts.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Presentation

Team collaboration

Laboratory planning

Life sciences knowledge

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture/Laboratory Planning/Engineering

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

The Role We Want You For

LJC is looking to hire a Lab Planner to support our team and serve as a technical resource within the Life Sciences market sector. This individual will work closely with Senior Lab Planner and support the planning, programming, and design of complex laboratory and research facilities, working closely with clients, scientists, and multidisciplinary design teams to deliver high-performance, flexible, and compliant environments.

The Lab Planner will contribute technical expertise, support user engagement, and participate in project delivery while continuing to expand their knowledge of laboratory operations, planning methodologies, and industry standards.

The Specifics of the Role

• Support the planning, programming, and design of laboratory and research facilities across a range of life sciences project types.
• Develop laboratory layouts, workflows, and space requirements that optimize functionality, flexibility, safety, and adaptability.
• Integrate technical, operational, regulatory, and sustainability considerations into laboratory planning and design solutions.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to develop innovative, efficient, and buildable laboratory designs.
• Show understanding of applicable health, safety, and regulatory standards, including NIH, CDC, BSL, GMP, ISO, and LEED requirements.
• Support the planning and coordination of laboratory casework, furniture, equipment, and utility requirements.
• Support and facilitate user meetings, programming workshops, and stakeholder presentations to establish project goals and planning criteria.
• Mentor and develop junior lab planners, architects, and designers, supporting technical growth and professional development.
• Promote a culture of one-team collaboration across disciplines and offices.
• Travel, as required, to support client engagement, project pursuits, and planning efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Laboratory Planning, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in laboratory planning and design within life sciences.
• Professional licensure (RA) preferred but not required.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory typologies, equipment, operational needs, and planning strategies.
• Knowledge of building codes, laboratory safety guidelines, and industry regulations.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and other relevant planning and design tools.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, including client-facing presentations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and clients.
• LEED accreditation or demonstrated knowledge of sustainable laboratory design preferred.
• Experience with biosafety level (BSL) laboratories and/or cleanroom environments preferred.

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.