Lab Planner

Description

• Develop detailed contract documents and technical specifications, ensuring alignment with applicable codes, standards, and best practices in lab safety and sustainability.
• Communicate planning concepts to project teams, both verbally and through graphic and written reports.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of clients’ program requirements, standards, and policies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and design teams for technical spaces.
• Provide guidance on lab adjacencies, modular planning, casework systems, and utility distribution.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, trends, and regulatory requirements for laboratory facilities.
• Lead user group meetings to Independently collect, analyze, and synthesize data; define project goals and objectives; and coordinate cross-disciplinary stakeholders throughout the design process.
• Communicate planning concepts to project teams, both verbally and through graphic and written documentation.
• Prepare design presentations, diagrams, and space metrics for client reviews.
• Mentor and direct the work of less experienced staff, may participate in professional development reviews and “Lessons Learned” sessions.
• Assist in developing proposals including project scope, services, schedule, and fees during the contract process.
• Support coordination across offices and project locations (Bay Area & Austin).
• Evaluate lab equipment and casework to assist clients in selecting solutions for their specific needs.
• Assist in establishing overall project budgets and milestone schedules in coordination with project managers, architect and project engineers.
• Specify lab equipment and infrastructure requirements in coordination with engineering disciplines.
• Apply DES QA/QC processes throughout project.
• Provide technical planning expertise and leadership for laboratory facilities in the areas of programming, design, fit-out planning, equipment planning, MEP systems integration planning casework specification and construction administration.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, and consultants throughout all project phases.
• Actively participates in industry associations to ensure visibility.
• Participate in business development efforts, including proposal writing, interviews, and client engagement.
• Assist in the development of DES standards related to lab design.

Requirements

• Exceptional communication (verbal, listening and written), organization, and leadership skills. Architectural License or pursuit of licensure preferred (State of California and/or Texas preferred).
• Minimum of eight to ten years’ experience in the programing, planning, and design of laboratories, vivarium, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or process planning.
• Ability to translate clients’ needs into functional technical spaces and determine space demand and capacity. Strong portfolio of lab planning work across life science, technology, or healthcare sectors.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, multi-task, and use time effectively.
• Become familiar with DES portfolio of past projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or a related field.
• Actively seeks new knowledge in the design and planning of laboratories within technical facilities.
• Knowledgeable of laboratory planning standards, safety regulations, and best practices (e.g., FDA cGMP/cGLP, AAALAC, NIH, BSL, etc.).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without any restrictions or requirement of sponsorship now or in the future.
• Ability to travel between Bay Area and Austin project sites as needed.
• Provide advanced technical knowledge in the laboratory planning, programming, and design of various-sized life science, academic research, biotech, or other emerging technology facilities.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office programs.

Benefits

• 401k plan
• Pet Insurance
• Training & career development opportunities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Competitive salary & annual bonuses
• Supplemental life insurance & critical illness plans
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Annual career development stipend
• Licenses & certification bonuses
• Collaborative, friendly, fun, and enriching environment for our team to thrive and grow!
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Standard & choice holidays
• 100% company-paid short & long-term disability benefits
• Hybrid work schedule working onsite Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
• 100% company-paid options for employee medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 100% Professional licensing & renewal fees

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance