Planner, Research and Lab Facilities

Job Summary:

The Planner, Research and Lab Facilities provides specialized planning expertise for the programming, space allocation, and physical development of research, laboratory, and instructional space across RPI facilities. Reporting to the Associate Director of Campus Planning, this position works closely with faculty, researchers, department administrators, Environmental Health & Safety, and project delivery teams to translate research and academic program needs into functional, adaptable, code-compliant laboratory and research environments. The position supports evidence-based planning through space programming, utilization analysis, and technical planning for capital projects, strategic initiatives, and day-to-day space allocation decisions.The Planner, Research and Lab Facilities provides specialized planning expertise for the programming, space allocation, and physical development of research, laboratory, and instructional space across RPI facilities. Reporting to the Associate Director of Campus Planning, this position works closely with faculty, researchers, department administrators, Environmental Health & Safety, and project delivery teams to translate research and academic program needs into functional, adaptable, code-compliant laboratory and research environments. The position supports evidence-based planning through space programming, utilization analysis, and technical planning for capital projects, strategic initiatives, and day-to-day space allocation decisions.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society''s greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world's fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor''s degree in Architecture, Planning, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in space planning, facility programming, campus planning, or related planning work involving research, laboratory, healthcare, academic, or other technically complex facilities.
• Experience utilizing space management systems, reporting tools, and space utilization data to support planning and decision-making.
• Working knowledge of laboratory planning principles and building and life safety codes as they apply to research space.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting planning recommendations to diverse stakeholders.

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master''s degree in Architecture, Planning, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in a higher education, research institution, or similarly complex campus environment.
• Experience participating in the planning, design, renovation, or construction of laboratory, research, healthcare, or other technically complex facilities.
• Familiarity with higher education capital planning, space governance, and decision-making processes.
• Professional affiliation or certification related to planning, facilities, architecture, or campus planning (e.g., SCUP, AIA, AICP, IFMA, APPA).

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of laboratory and research facility planning, programming, and design standards.
• Understanding of laboratory planning principles, research space typologies, and associated building infrastructure requirements (e.g., HVAC, exhaust, specialized utilities).
• Ability to translate stakeholder requirements into planning solutions.
• Ability to balance competing stakeholder priorities while developing planning recommendations aligned with institutional objectives.
• Familiarity with codes and standards affecting laboratory design, including life safety and applicable research safety requirements.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop data-driven planning recommendations.
• Proficiency with space planning and space management software; working knowledge of CAD/BIM tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with faculty, researchers, and technical staff.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple planning initiatives simultaneously.

Representative Job Duties:

Space Programming & Planning

• Lead space programming and needs assessments for research, laboratory, and instructional space, translating faculty and departmental research goals into functional space programs.
• Facilitate programming sessions and workshops with faculty, researchers, and technical staff to define space, adjacency, and workflow requirements for new or renovated research space.
• Conduct laboratory utilization assessments, identify opportunities for shared-use environments, and recommend strategies to improve space efficiency.
• Participate in feasibility studies and early-phase planning efforts to define project scope and space requirements.
• Support short-, mid-, and long-range campus planning efforts, including alignment with RPI Forward and the campus master plan, for research and laboratory space needs.

Project & Stakeholder Support

• Partner with project managers, engineers, and design consultants to ensure laboratory and research space programs are accurately translated into project scopes and design solutions.
• Provide technical review at key design milestones to confirm that evolving research needs remain reflected in the space program.
• Serve as a technical resource on laboratory planning, including wet labs, dry labs, shared instrumentation, core facilities, and support spaces.
• Coordinate with Environmental Health & Safety to ensure laboratory space programs align with applicable codes and safety standards.

Space Governance & Data Management

• Maintain accurate space inventory and utilization data for research and laboratory space Institute-wide.
• Develop and maintain laboratory planning standards, guidelines, and space utilization benchmarks for the Institute.
• Prepare space allocation and space-function change documentation to support the Institute''s space governance review process.
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools to support evidence-based planning, utilization monitoring, and capital investment decisions.

Strategic & Institutional Alignment

• Provide laboratory planning expertise to inform institutional planning initiatives, capital project prioritization, and long-range facilities planning.
• Monitor emerging trends in laboratory and research facility planning to drive continuous improvement of Institute planning standards and practices.

Shift:

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel:

Local travel between campus locations only

Driving:

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range: $90,000 - $110,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate's salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate's qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer's good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Job Posted Date:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaer's Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute''s work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.