Associate Director – Laboratory Planning & Science Design

Associate Director – Laboratory Planning & Science Design

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Job Description

Associate Director – Laboratory Planning & Science Design

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Associate Director – Laboratory Planning & Science Design to take a strategic leadership role within our Architecture & Design Studio.

This is a pivotal opportunity to:

• Lead complex, high-profile laboratory and science sector projects
• Act as a trusted advisor to global clients
• Shape the growth of our Science & Technology (S&T) sector offering
• Drive innovation in laboratory planning and design

You will join a high-performing, multidisciplinary team spanning architecture, engineering, digital, and consulting services, working on some of the most technically complex and impactful projects in the built environment.

Your Role

As an Associate Director, you will operate at the intersection of design leadership, client advisory, and business growth.

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership across laboratory planning and science facility design
• Act as a sector leader and client-facing expert, influencing project direction from concept to delivery
• Drive work-winning and client engagement, building long-term partnerships across the life sciences ecosystem
• Inspire teams to deliver exceptional, innovative, and future-ready environments

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide technical, design, and commercial leadership across laboratory and science sector projects
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex, high-value projects at scale
• Champion design excellence, innovation, and sustainability in laboratory environments
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the Science & Technology sector

Client Advisory & Sector Influence

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, guiding laboratory planning, briefing, and design strategy
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, architects, and collaborators
• Represent AECOM as a sector leader across industry forums, conferences, and thought leadership

Work Winning & Commercial Delivery

• Lead and contribute to business development and bid activities
• Identify new opportunities and drive sector growth and market positioning
• Take accountability for project performance, including commercial outcomes and delivery quality

Laboratory Planning & Design Excellence

• Lead laboratory briefing, planning, and design integration across a range of facility types
• Translate complex scientific workflows into flexible, efficient, and future-proof environments
• Oversee coordination of technical specialists, equipment planners, and engineering teams

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and develop emerging talent and future leaders within the team
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture
• Support recruitment and capability building within the Science & Technology sector

Innovation & Digital Delivery

• Champion digital design, BIM, and data-driven approaches
• Drive adoption of advanced tools, modular design, and emerging technologies
• Lead innovation in low-carbon, sustainable, and resilient laboratory design

Apply Now

If you are ready to take a leading role in shaping the future of science and research environments, we would love to hear from you.

For informal enquiries, please contact Stephen Bullock via LinkedIn.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• ARB registered Architect (or equivalent professional qualification)
• Significant post-qualification experience within laboratory / science sector design
• Proven track record leading complex, multidisciplinary projects
• Strong client-facing experience, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Experience in laboratory planning, briefing, and design strategy
• Excellent understanding of laboratory standards, workflows, and regulatory environments
• Demonstrated ability in team leadership, mentoring, and project delivery
• Proficiency in Revit, BIM, and digital delivery workflows
• Eligibility to work in the UK

Preferred Experience

• Experience at Associate / Associate Director level
• Demonstrated experience in work-winning and business development
• Experience across life sciences, higher education and research sectors
• Knowledge of GMP, cleanrooms, containment labs, and advanced manufacturing facilities
• Familiarity with sustainable design frameworks (BREEAM, LEED, WELL)
• Experience working within multidisciplinary environments
• Strong interest in future trends in science, innovation districts, and R&D ecosystems

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.