Senior Life Sciences Lab Planner & Designer

Gilder Search Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus

Medical/Dental/Vision

401k

PTO & Holidays

Job summary

LJC is seeking a Lab Planner to join our Life Sciences practice and lead the planning, programming, and design of laboratory and research facilities. You will translate workflows into practical layouts, collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, and ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards.

You will mentor junior staff, participate in client interviews, and support business development while traveling as needed to engage with clients and pursue projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Laboratory Planning, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in laboratory planning and design within life sciences.
• Professional licensure (RA) preferred but not required.
• Strong understanding 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, programming, and design of laboratory and research facilities across a range of life sciences project types.
• Develop laboratory layouts, workflows, and spatial requirements that optimize functionality, flexibility, safety, and long-term 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.
• Support compliance with applicable health, safety, and regulatory standards, including NIH, CDC, BSL, GMP, ISO, and LEED requirements.
• Support planning and coordination of laboratory casework, furniture, equipment, and utility requirements in alignment with user needs and design intent.
• Work closely with scientists, researchers, and facility stakeholders to understand workflows and translate them into clear planning and design solutions.
• Facilitate or support user group meetings, workshops, and presentations to communicate planning concepts and gather feedback.
• Support or manage multiple lab planning efforts from concept through design development, coordinating scope, budget, and schedule expectations.
• Mentor junior lab planners, architects, and designers, supporting professional development and technical growth.
• Support business development efforts through proposal contributions, planning concepts, and participation in client interviews and presentations.
• Promote a culture of one‑team collaboration across disciplines and offices.
• Travel, as required, to support client engagement, project pursuits, and planning efforts.

Skills

Lab planning

Regulatory knowledge

Project leadership

Client communication

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture/Engineering

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

BIM

Job description

LJC is seeking a Lab Planner to join our Life Sciences practice and lead the planning, programming, and design of laboratory and research facilities. You will translate workflows into practical layouts, collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, and ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards.

You will mentor junior staff, participate in client interviews, and support business development while traveling as needed to engage with clients and pursue projects.