Job Details

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.

About Lamar Johnson Collaborative
Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) is a team of high-energy professionals. We 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. Lamar Johnson Collaborative attracts a dynamic and diverse group of people who work together to realize our clients' vision. LJC is a growing firm and is recruiting top Project Management talent to join our growing team.

The Role We Want You For
Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) is looking to hire a Lab Planner to join our team in Chicago or St. Louis and assume a SME role for the Life Science Market Sector. The Lab Planner is responsible for leading the planning, programming, and design of complex laboratory and research facilities. This role requires deep expertise in laboratory planning, knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements, and the ability to collaborate with clients, scientists, and engineering teams to create high-performance, flexible, and sustainable lab environments. This individual will be counted on to collaborate closely with colleagues in other LJC offices, and mentor and nurture the professional development of staff, as well as work across disciplines and parent company Clayco's integrated construction and real estate arms to help our entire enterprise thrive.

The Specifics of the Role

• Lead the planning, design, and programming of laboratory and research facilities, ensuring alignment with client needs and industry best practices.
• Develop laboratory layouts, workflows, and spatial requirements to optimize functionality, flexibility, and safety.
• Integrate technical, operational, and regulatory considerations into lab designs.
• Collaborate with project teams, including architects, engineers, and consultants, to develop innovative and efficient laboratory designs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards (e.g., NIH, CDC, BSL, GMP, ISO, LEED).
• Oversee laboratory casework, furniture, equipment, and utility requirements.
• Work closely with scientists, researchers, and facility managers to understand workflow requirements and translate them into design solutions.
• Facilitate user group meetings, workshops, and presentations to communicate planning concepts and gather feedback.
• Manage multiple lab planning projects from concept through completion, ensuring budget and schedule adherence.
• Guide and mentor junior lab planners, architects, and designers.
• Support business development by contributing to proposals, presentations, and client outreach efforts.
• Promotes and fosters a culture of one-team collaboration between and across offices
• Travel, as required, to secure project opportunities and support client engagement on projects

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Laboratory Planning, or a related field.
• 5-10 years of experience in laboratory planning and design, preferably in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or higher education.
• Professional licensure (RA) preferred.
• Strong understanding of laboratory typologies, equipment, and operational needs.
• Knowledge of building codes, laboratory safety guidelines, and industry regulations.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and other design tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and clients.
• LEED accreditation or knowledge of sustainable lab design.
• Experience with biosafety level (BSL) labs or cleanroom environments.
• Understanding of emerging trends in lab design and technology integration.
  

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.
• 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!

Why Clayco?

• 2024 Best Places to Work – Crain's Chicago Business, St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2024 ENR Midwest – Midwest Contractor (#1).
• 2024 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2024 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 5).

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.