Senior Associate, Design - Life Sciences

Unispace; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Unispace is seeking a Senior Associate, Design - Life Sciences in Raleigh, NC. You will own key design packages for lab environments, coordinating with clients and multidisciplinary teams to deliver technically complex, compliant spaces that meet client and regulatory requirements.

You will leverage expertise in laboratory planning and construction documentation, using Revit, CAD, and Adobe Suite to produce coordinated designs.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in Life Sciences, laboratory or technical design environments.
• Strong understanding of laboratory planning, programming and design principles.
• Knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements for lab and workplace environments.
• Experience producing and coordinating construction documentation.
• Proficiency in Revit and other design tools (CAD, Adobe Suite, Excel).
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary, integrated teams.
• Experience contributing to client presentations and design storytelling.
• Exposure to corporate or campus-scale projects is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver design packages across projects of varying scale, supporting end-to-end project execution.
• Plan and develop laboratory environments, including programming, layouts and technical coordination.
• Collaborate closely with clients to understand requirements and translate them into effective design solutions.
• Work in partnership with Design Principals and multidisciplinary teams to deliver Unispace’s integrated methodology.
• Produce and coordinate technical design documentation, ensuring alignment with building codes and regulatory standards.
• Support construction administration, ensuring design intent is maintained through delivery.
• Apply QA/QC processes to ensure accuracy, consistency and quality across all design outputs.
• Coordinate with consultants, engineers and delivery teams to resolve technical challenges and drive project outcomes.
• Develop and present design concepts clearly and confidently to clients and stakeholders.
• Contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Skills

Lab planning

Regulatory compliance

Construction documentation

Communication

Presentation skills

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Design storytelling

Client presentations

Corporate/campus project exposure

Tools

Revit

CAD

Adobe Suite

Excel

Job description

Senior Associate, Design - Life Sciences

At Unispace, we create spaces that empower people and businesses to thrive. We are a global design-build partner delivering workplace and life sciences projects for some of the world’s most innovative brands.

With over 500 people across four continents, we bring together strategy, design, project management, and delivery into one seamless experience. Our integrated approach enables us to move with agility, solve complex challenges, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients.

Our people are at the centre of everything we do. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity, accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us create better experiences for our clients and each other.

At Unispace, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, work alongside talented global teams, and grow your career in an environment that encourages innovation and new ideas.

Role Profile
You’re an experienced and confident Life Sciences designer ready to take the next step—owning key design packages, contributing to client relationships, and helping shape high-quality, technically complex environments.

You bring strong lab planning expertise, thrive in integrated teams, and are passionate about delivering innovative, functional design solutions that meet both client and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Lead and deliver design packages across projects of varying scale, supporting end-to-end project execution
• Plan and develop laboratory environments, including programming, layouts and technical coordination
• Collaborate closely with clients to understand requirements and translate them into effective design solutions
• Work in partnership with Design Principals and multidisciplinary teams to deliver Unispace’s integrated methodology
• Produce and coordinate technical design documentation, ensuring alignment with building codes and regulatory standards
• Support construction administration, ensuring design intent is maintained through delivery
• Apply QA/QC processes to ensure accuracy, consistency and quality across all design outputs
• Coordinate with consultants, engineers and delivery teams to resolve technical challenges and drive project outcomes
• Develop and present design concepts clearly and confidently to clients and stakeholders
• Contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement

How you'll succeed in the role

• Delivery of high-quality, compliant and innovative design solutions
• Accuracy and coordination of construction documentation
• Effective collaboration across design, planning and delivery teams
• Positive client feedback and contribution to strong client relationships
• Ability to independently manage design scopes and support project delivery
• Consistent application of QA/QC standards
• Contribution to team culture, knowledge sharing and design excellence

Your experience and skills

• 5–8 years of experience in Life Sciences, laboratory or technical design environments
• Strong understanding of laboratory planning, programming and design principles
• Knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements for lab and workplace environments
• Experience producing and coordinating construction documentation
• Proficiency in Revit and other design tools (CAD, Adobe Suite, Excel)
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary, integrated teams
• Experience contributing to client presentations and design storytelling
• Exposure to corporate or campus-scale projects is beneficial

What We Will OfferYou’ll gain exposure to the design and construction industry in an agile and collaborative global firm. This is a great opportunity to work within a friendly, design-oriented, and creative culture while growing your career.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment lifecycle where required by applicable law.

Inclusion & Diversity

At Unispace, we believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams, our culture, and the work we deliver for our clients. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and has the opportunity to thrive.

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.