Lab Planner - Sciences - Senior

Your Role  

Gensler San Francisco is seeking a Senior Lab Planner to join our Life Sciences Studio. In this role, you will bring deep expertise in pre-design, programming, and laboratory planning across a range of specialty architectural environments. As a subject matter expert, you excel in the design and documentation of complex laboratory facilities—including early‑stage research labs, clinical diagnostics spaces, vivarium and other technical GXP environments. 

You pair strong client‑relationship skills with a portfolio of innovative, built design solutions. Working collaboratively with teams across the region and the broader Gensler network, you will help shape best‑in‑class, sustainability‑driven projects and advance discussions around design innovation. Join our dynamic team of designers and thinkers to help deliver transformative life sciences environments and mentor the next generation of laboratory design professionals. 

 What You Will Do   

• Collaborate directly with clients, scientists, researchers, and end‑users to develop laboratory planning strategies for retrofit, renovation, and new construction projects. 

• Provide innovative, sustainability‑focused lab planning solutions that support project goals and advance contemporary laboratory design, particularly in private industry.

• Act as a technical advisor in academic, clinical, forensic, government, public health, or R&D markets.

• Oversee technical documentation, perform quality control reviews, and develop plans, elevations, and details from verbal and written instructions. 

• Direct project documentation in accordance with project‑specific checklists, Gensler standards, and QA/QC protocols.

• Manage day‑to‑day client and project activities from initial planning through construction.

• Lead relationships with clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, engineers, and specialty consultants.

• Contribute to the development of materials that communicate the Life Sciences Practice Area’s portfolio, systems, and processes

• Partner with office and studio leaders to identify and recruit top talent.

• Manage mid‑size to large project teams and mentor junior staff. 

Your Qualifications  

•  Licensed architect with a bachelor’s degree or higher in Architecture and 10+ years of experience working with scientific teams. 

• Proficiency in Revit. 

• Strong understanding of laboratory programming and how design impacts space planning, operations, equipment needs, MEP systems, and casework.

• Extensive experience collaborating with senior management, scientists, lab managers/technicians, facilities personnel, and project managers to define and document programmatic requirements.

• LEED accreditation preferred; demonstrated commitment to sustainable and resilient design.

• Technical expertise in laboratory and vivarium planning, including room/space development based on equipment and specialized requirements.

• Ability to work with end users to develop process flows, planning methodologies, and critical adjacencies to ensure efficient and flexible research environments.

• Proven leadership experience managing client expectations, multidisciplinary teams, and project scope, schedule, and budget.

• Advanced knowledge of architectural planning and design, construction documentation, construction administration, and code compliance.

• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas in interviews and client presentations.

• Skilled in motivating and developing internal and external teams, with a commitment to mentoring junior staff.