As science and technology advances, so do laboratories. We design flexible, agile spaces that support complex technical needs and facilitate knowledge sharing. Come join our amazing and talented team as a Lab Planner!
As a Lab Planner, you will be leading the laboratory project planning effort and sharing in the lab design toward the successful completion of complex technology facilities. You will provide the overall programming, master planning, lab design planning as well as communicate with clients/user groups to understand project requirements including leading the vision, program, planning, and design conversations in partnership with the design team.
Typical Years of Requisite Experience: 8-10+ years
Professional Licensure: Required
You will:
- Provide advanced technical knowledge in the laboratory planning and programming of various sized pharmaceutical, academic research, biotech, or other emerging technical facilities.
- 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
- Lead user group meetings (heads of departments, specialists, etc.) to collect program needs for laboratory specifications in technical facilities.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of clients’ program requirements and standards and policies for completion.
- Lead the design development, modification and/or review of laboratory planning concepts and solutions.
- Generate project scope, plan, and services including overall concepts and detailed layouts for program elements during the contract process.
- Translate planning concepts into comprehensible terms for clients, designers, and project team members.
- Lead in establishing overall project budgets and milestone schedules in coordination with project manager and project team.
- Communicate planning concepts to project teams, both verbally and through graphic and written reports.
- Develop architectural drawings and specifications to communicate planning concepts for project documentation and construction.
- Prepare and modifies architectural documents, elevations, sections, details, etc. Has the ability to survey and manage client’s lab equipment, or direct others to do so, and integrate such equipment into the detailed lab layouts and designs.
- Anticipate and develops solutions to technical and design problems following established standards. Understands utility requirements and loads, and coordinates with the engineering teams to ensure functionality and flexibility.
- Manage the lab equipment planning process and the management of the tracking process for the laboratory equipment through spreadsheet tracking tools and the creation of room data sheets.
- Apply proper QA/QC methods throughout project. May lead this effort.
- Develop and maintains excellent relationships with existing and potential clients.
- Participate in selected marketing and business development opportunities.
- Incorporate Integrated Sustainable Design solutions into projects.
- Mentor and direct the work of less experienced staff, may participate in professional development reviews and “Lessons Learned” sessions.
- Actively seek new knowledge in the design and planning of laboratories within technical facilities.
- May lead periodic project meetings and presentations; ensure client is adequately briefed on project progress.
- Participate actively in the firm‐wide Science and Technology practice.
- Lead the development of standard materials that describe the portfolio, systems, processes and people of the Science and Technology Group.
- Assure document standards are met and archives documents appropriately.
- Set up project team software parameters and manages standards.
- May prepare 2D and 3D presentation/design drawings and build models for client/project team review.
- Actively participate in industry associations to ensure visibility.
- Take personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.
- Acquire strong CEL skills in addition to a deep understanding of the systems, methodology and products which go into various types of labs and a baseline understanding of the science that is studied so that they can provide novel and tailored design advice to our clients.
- Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing; ability to convey laboratory planning needs to designers and other team members.
- Ability to work in team environment.
- Ability to effectively meet deadlines.
High-level Summary of Critical, Baseline Technical Skills and Certifications
Proficiencies
- BIM
- Building codes
- Site analysis
- Preliminary design studies
- Contract documents
- Field measurements
- Life safety requirements
- Specifications
- Construction contract administration
- Knowledge of :
- Technical and regulatory requirements for laboratory design
- Laboratory programming delivery and how design impacts those systems – including space, operational, and equipment programming, as well as MEP systems and casework
- Laboratory planning, design, construction documents, construction administration, and project construction cost control for lab facilities
- Sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines. Possess strong hand and advanced CAD drafting skills
Software
- Advanced knowledge of 2D/3D production software
- Advanced Revit
- Conceptual modeling tools such as Rhino and Grasshopper
- Microsoft Office / Adobe Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup, and InDesign graphic software
- Proficiency in Revit or another BIM platform
- Visualization tools such as Enscape and VRay
- Physical modeling tools such as 3D Printing and Laser cutting
- Presentation tools such as InDesign and Photoshop
- **Environmental Analysis software such Ladybug and Climate Studio
Licensure/Certifications/Education
- 10+ years relevant Science and Technology Experience
- Project experience demonstrates significant involvement in science/technology/research facility design, including the design of traditional laboratories, production facilities, computational research, and higher education science teaching spaces
- Bachelor of Architecture required
- Master’s degree preferred
- Licensure required
- Requires 5 plus year’s progressive experience focused on programming and planning of all phases of a variety of laboratory types such as: vivarium, biocontainment, research, teaching (science), pharmaceutical, public health, clinical, process, and manufacturing facilities
- LEED GA within 6 months of hire
- Professional Accreditation in one area of Living Design that interests you: LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Passive House Institute Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer CPHC/CPHD, or ILFI Living Future Accreditation
Salary Range Information
We foster a culture that is diverse and inclusive and strive for pay practices that are fair, and competitive and reflect our commitment to pay equity. Our compensation decisions include but are not limited to a candidate’s qualifications including skill sets, education, experience and training, licensure and certifications credentials if applicable, and business-related factors. This practice extends to all employees, including performance considerations for merit increases, job promotions, and transfer opportunities. We additionally review our pay practices, conduct pay equity audits, and ensure our managers are trained in our pay practices on an annual basis. At the time of posting this job advertisement, the annual pay salary range for this position in Boston is between $101,100 and $134,700.
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
At Perkins&Will we believe that inclusion spurs creativity and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people + ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status; we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve.
"Design has the power to inspire joy, uplift lives, and strengthen the spirit of community."
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Perkins&Will has established and adopted an Equal Employment Opportunity Employment policy (“EEO”), which is part of the Company’s Human Resources Policy. The purpose of this EEO policy is to ensure that all employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis, and without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender reassignment, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law. In some cases, local laws and regulations may provide greater protections than those outlined here and employees will be covered by the laws of their local jurisdiction.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Top Skills
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Boston Tech Scene
Key Facts About Boston Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 269,000; 9.4% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Toast, Klaviyo, HubSpot, DraftKings
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, software, aerospace
- Funding Landscape: $15.7 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Summit Partners, Volition Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, MassVentures, Highland Capital Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: MIT, Harvard University, Boston College, Tufts University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, National Bureau of Economic Research, Broad Institute, Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories

