Director of Laboratory Planning

About the role

The Director of Laboratory Planning will act as the firm's subject matter expert in laboratory planning for academic, commercial, healthcare, institutional, industrial, and government science facilities. This role includes direct client interaction, coordination with project teams, and leadership from early concept through detailed design to ensure laboratory environments are efficient, safe, adaptable, and aligned with client objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the firm’s subject matter expert in laboratory planning for academic, commercial, healthcare, institutional, industrial, and government science facilities.
• Lead user programming sessions with researchers, facility managers, and technical staff to define space requirements, workflows, equipment lists, adjacencies, and operational needs.
• Develop laboratory planning concepts, diagrams, blocking and stacking, test fits, space metrics, and functional layouts.
• Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and consultants to integrate lab requirements with building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, process utilities, and environmental health and safety systems.
• Ensure all laboratory designs meet applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements such as biosafety, chemical safety, cGMP, GLP, vivarium standards, and sustainability guidelines.
• Review and coordinate specialty systems including laboratory casework and furnishings, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, gas distribution, and equipment infrastructure.
• Conduct reviews during design documentation and construction to verify compliance with planning intent.
• Provide guidance on laboratory design trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in research and development environments.
• Oversee and mentor Laboratory Planners and architectural staff, and provide training and quality control for lab related project deliverables. This includes identifying internal and external staff appropriate to grow into Laboratory Planner or similar roles.
• Support project management teams with scope definition, fee development, staffing requirements, and project schedules for lab related work.
• Participate in business development, including proposal writing, interviews, client presentations, and project strategy. Participate in industry-related events to ensure the firm remains at the forefront of laboratory planning, visible in the appropriate markets, and is known and available to potential clients and partners.
• Maintain strong client relationships and act as a trusted advisor throughout design and construction.

Required qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
• Background in architecture, laboratory planning, engineering, science facilities management, or a related science / technical field.
• Extensive experience with laboratory programming and planning across multiple scientific disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of lab equipment, scientific processes, building systems integration, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills for working with highly technical user groups.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple projects.

Benefits and perks

• Employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (at employee base level)
• Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Employer-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Non-elected Employer 401(k) contribution
• Employee Assistance Program and Mental Wellness resources
• Identity Protection
• Minimum of 15 days of paid time off (PTO)
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Hybrid work schedule after 60 days of employment
• Exam and professional reimbursement
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities