Junior Lab Planner, Life Sciences

LJC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Medical, dental, vision plans

401k plan

Paid time off and holidays

Learning & development programs

Job summary

LJC seeks a Lab Planner to support our Life Sciences team, shaping lab planning, programming, and design of research facilities and collaborating with clients, scientists, and multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires 5+ years in laboratory planning, a degree in Architecture or related field, and proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD; licensure (RA) is preferred. Knowledge of NIH/CDC/BSL/ISO and LEED is a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in laboratory planning and design within life sciences.
• Proficiency in planning tools and strong knowledge of lab typologies and equipment.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, including client-facing presentations.

Responsibilities

• 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 optimizing functionality and safety.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to develop buildable laboratory designs.
• Mentor junior lab planners and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Skills

5+ years experience

Strong communication

Client-facing presentations

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related field

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

About LJC

LJC is a growing architecture, design and planning firm committed to creating and delivering design solutions that improve and enhance the human experience of the built environment. Youthful in outlook, seasoned in experience, LJC offers a diverse portfolio of expertise across a range of project scales and typologies, including commercial, mixed use and residential. We believe our work is a fundamental expression of optimism in the future, and that design is a means to effect positive, enduring change.

The Role We Want You For

LJC is looking to hire a Lab Planner to support ourteam 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

Lab Planners at LJC possess:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Laboratory Planning, Engineering, or a 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.

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!

Why Clayco and LJC?

• 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 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. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $100,000 - $130,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location).