Junior Lab Planner, Life Sciences

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 $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

LJC is a growing architecture, design and planning firm committed to creating and delivering design solutions that improve and enhance the human experience of the built environment. Youthful in outlook, seasoned in experience, LJC offers a diverse portfolio of expertise across a range of project scales and typologies, including commercial, mixed use and residential. We believe our work is a fundamental expression of optimism in the future, and that design is a means to effect positive, enduring change.

LJC is looking to hire a Lab Planner to support ourteam and serve as a technical resource within the Life Sciences market sector. This individual will work closely with Senior Lab Planner and 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.

The Lab Planner will contribute technical expertise, support user engagement, and participate in project delivery while continuing to expand their knowledge of laboratory operations, planning methodologies, and industry standards.

• Support the planning, programming, and design of laboratory and research facilities across a range of life sciences project types.
• Develop laboratory layouts, workflows, and space requirements that optimize functionality, flexibility, safety, and 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.
• Show understanding of applicable health, safety, and regulatory standards, including NIH, CDC, BSL, GMP, ISO, and LEED requirements.
• Support the planning and coordination of laboratory casework, furniture, equipment, and utility requirements.
• Support and facilitate user meetings, programming workshops, and stakeholder presentations to establish project goals and planning criteria.
• Mentor and develop junior lab planners, architects, and designers, supporting technical growth and professional development.
• Promote a culture of one-team collaboration across disciplines and offices.
• Travel, as required, to support client engagement, project pursuits, and planning efforts.

Lab Planners at LJC possess:

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

• Our clients and projects are nationwide
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!

• 2025 Best…