Lab Planner

About Us

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 $7.6 billion in revenue for 2024, Clayco specializes in the  art and science of building,  providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.

LJC Design & Engineering is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a team of high-energy professionals who share a passion for design, a collaborative approach, and a casual culture. We solve challenges by leveraging the collective expertise and ingenuity of the best and brightest minds across development, design, and construction.

LJC is looking to hire a Lab Planner to join our team and serve as a key technical resource within the Life Sciences market sector. The Lab Planner will 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.

This role requires strong laboratory planning expertise, knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements, and the ability to translate operational workflows into thoughtful planning solutions. The Lab Planner will collaborate across LJC offices and disciplines, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the continued growth of LJC’s Life Sciences practice.

• Lead or support 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.
• Plan and coordinate 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.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Laboratory Planning, Engineering, or a related field.
• 6-15+ years of experience in laboratory planning and design within life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or higher education environments.
• 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…