Senior Laboratory Planner

San Francisco| $120,000-$200,00

A leading global architecture and design practice is seeking an accomplished Senior Laboratory Planner to help shape the continued growth of its Science & Technology practice in San Francisco.

This is a senior technical and client-facing position for someone who understands both the science taking place inside a laboratory and the building systems required to support it. You will lead programming, master planning and laboratory design for complex, technology-driven facilities, guiding projects from their earliest strategic vision through design, documentation and construction.

Working closely with researchers, institutional leaders, facilities teams, architects and engineers, you will translate complex scientific and operational requirements into innovative, adaptable and high-performing laboratory environments.

The Opportunity

You will:

• Lead the programming and planning of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic-research and emerging-technology facilities.

• Facilitate user-group meetings with researchers, department heads, technical specialists and facilities stakeholders.

• Translate scientific workflows, equipment requirements and operational needs into clear planning and design solutions.

• Develop laboratory programmes, blocking and stacking studies, detailed layouts, room data sheets and equipment plans.

• Lead laboratory fit-out planning, casework specification and integration with mechanical, electrical, plumbing and specialist systems.

• Assess utility requirements and equipment loads, coordinating closely with engineering teams to ensure functionality, resilience and future flexibility.

• Manage laboratory equipment schedules and tracking from early planning through installation.

• Establish project scope, planning deliverables, budgets and milestone schedules in collaboration with project leadership.

• Produce and oversee drawings, specifications, reports and presentation materials that clearly communicate laboratory-planning concepts.

• Anticipate technical and operational challenges and develop practical, design-led solutions.

• Support projects through documentation, regulatory review and construction administration.

• Apply rigorous quality-assurance and quality-control standards throughout the project lifecycle.

• Build trusted, long-term relationships with existing and prospective clients.

• Contribute to selected pursuits, proposals, interviews and broader business-development initiatives.

• Mentor laboratory planners, architects and designers, helping less-experienced team members develop their technical judgment.

• Participate actively in the wider Science & Technology practice, sharing knowledge and strengthening laboratory-planning standards.

• Represent the practice through industry organisations, professional events and thought leadership.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will bring:

• Approximately 15 years or more of relevant Science & Technology experience, including substantial responsibility for laboratory programming and planning.

• A strong portfolio of research, science and technology facilities.

• Experience leading several laboratory types, which may include:

  • Research and development laboratories

  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical facilities

  • Vivaria

  • Biocontainment and public-health laboratories

  • Higher-education teaching and research environments

  • Clinical-process laboratories

  • Production and manufacturing facilities

  • Computational or technology-led research environments

• A practical understanding of scientific workflows and how they influence space, equipment, casework, utilities and engineering systems.

• Strong client-facilitation and presentation skills.

• The ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and integrate specialist consultants effectively.

• Experience delivering laboratory projects through planning, design, construction documentation and construction administration.

• Knowledge of building codes, life-safety requirements, laboratory regulations, specifications and project cost control.

• A strong commitment to sustainable, integrated and resilient design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture; a master's degree would be advantageous.

• Professional architectural licence.

• Relevant sustainability accreditation-or a willingness to obtain one following appointment.

• Advanced Revit and BIM capability.

• Proficiency with 2D and 3D design-production software.

• Familiarity with Rhino, Grasshopper, SketchUp and related conceptual-modelling tools.

• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, including InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Familiarity with Enscape, V-Ray or similar visualisation platforms.

• Experience with environmental-analysis tools such as Ladybug or ClimateStudio would be beneficial.

• Physical-modelling experience, including 3D printing or laser cutting, is advantageous.

Why Consider It?

This is an opportunity to:

• Influence major laboratory and research projects from their earliest stages.

• Work directly with leading scientists, institutions and technology-driven organisations.

• Join an established international Science & Technology practice with extensive specialist resources.

• Take a visible role in the growth of the Seattle laboratory-planning team.

• Mentor talented colleagues and help develop the next generation of laboratory planners.

• Combine hands-on project leadership with client development, industry engagement and thought leadership.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary range is $120,100-$200,000, depending on experience, qualifications, licensure and technical expertise.

The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• FSA and HSA options

• 401(k) with employer contribution

• Paid time off and company holidays

• Paid parental leave

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• Life insurance

• Commuter benefits

• Professional learning and development opportunities

The employer is committed to an inclusive working environment and equitable employment and compensation practices. Applications are welcomed from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.