Project Designer – Life Science Group

Professional Alternatives; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work 2 days onsite

Dog friendly office

Lunch & learns

Open space with outdoor area

Job summary

Professional Alternatives in Austin is seeking a Project Designer – Laboratory & Life Sciences to lead laboratory projects from programming through construction, develop programs, layouts, and technical planning.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, 5+ years in life sciences and laboratory planning, and experience leading design teams; architectural license is preferred. Hybrid work with a dog-friendly culture and collaborative studio environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program.
• Architectural license preferred but not required.
• 5+ years of professional experience in life sciences and laboratory planning.
• Experience leading laboratory projects in academic, corporate, biotech, pharmaceutical, research, manufacturing, or healthcare environments.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory programming, technical planning, and interdisciplinary coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory and life science projects from programming through construction.
• Develop laboratory programs, space adjacencies, equipment layouts, and technical planning.
• Translate technical requirements into coordinated architectural and interior design solutions.
• Coordinate with engineers, consultants, vendors, and project stakeholders.
• Lead user group meetings, design reviews, and client presentations.
• Lead project teams of 2–8 staff members; mentor and support emerging staff.
• Assign tasks, provide design direction, and maintain quality across project phases.
• Foster a collaborative and knowledge-sharing studio culture.
• Support Project Managers with budgets, schedules, scope, fees, and deliverables.
• Contribute to project planning and execution strategies.
• Serve as a key client contact and support long-term client relationships.
• Participate in client engagement and business development.
• Grow toward future Client Management and Project Management responsibilities

Skills

Laboratory planning

Technical planning

Design leadership

Communication

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Architectural license preferred

Job description

Job ID#: 41780

Project Designer – Laboratory & Life Sciences

Direct Hire; up to 110K

Austin

Experience in Academic, Corporate, Biotech, Pharma, Research, Manufacturing, Healthcare, or other highly technical laboratory environments

Can also reside in Nashville, Houston, or Phoenix

Duties

• Lead laboratory and life science projects from programming through construction
• Develop laboratory programs, space adjacencies, equipment layouts, and technical planning
• Translate technical requirements into coordinated architectural and interior design solutions
• Coordinate with engineers, consultants, vendors, and project stakeholders
• Lead user group meetings, design reviews, and client presentations
• Lead project teams of 2–8 staff members; mentor and support emerging staff
• Assign tasks, provide design direction, and maintain quality across project phases
• Foster a collaborative and knowledge-sharing studio culture
• Support Project Managers with budgets, schedules, scope, fees, and deliverables
• Contribute to project planning and execution strategies
• Serve as a key client contact and support long-term client relationships
• Participate in client engagement and business development
• Grow toward future Client Management and Project Management responsibilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited program
• Architectural license preferred but not required
• 5+ years of professional experience in life sciences and laboratory planning
• Experience leading laboratory projects in academic, corporate, biotech, pharmaceutical, research, manufacturing, or healthcare environments
• Strong knowledge of laboratory programming, technical planning, and interdisciplinary coordination
• Experience leading design teams
• Strong architectural knowledge, communication, and presentation skills

Other Info

• Great location in an open space they’ve designed; open concept seating with outdoor space and large open kitchen
• Dog friendly, hybrid 2 days a week for work life balance, a collaborative culture, and lots of lunch & learns
• Must pass national background check including education; will take personality assessment