Scientific Illustrator

DCG • Alexandria, VA

3d

About The Position

DCG is seeking an experienced Scientific Illustrator to support the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA). This position will translate complex scientific research, biological processes, physical systems, and engineering concepts into accurate, accessible visual content for a wide range of OLPA communications materials. The Scientific Illustrator will work in both traditional and digital formats — including 2-D and 3-D illustration — to produce diagrams, schematics, data-driven graphics, research explainers, and conceptual models that support NSF’s public affairs, press, and science communication programs. All work must meet Section 508 accessibility requirements and align with NSF’s brand identity. Selected candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio of original work (3-5 samples) ahead of interviews. Note: This position is currently contingent on contract award

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a four-year college, preferably in scientific illustration, biology, art, graphic design, or a closely related discipline
• Five or more years of professional experience creating scientific illustrations, technical diagrams, or research-oriented visual content
• Demonstrated experience producing scientific diagrams and schematics — biological, physical, environmental, or engineering concepts — with accuracy sufficient for research communication audiences
• Demonstrated experience producing data-driven illustrations depicting processes, systems, workflows, or conceptual models
• Demonstrated experience producing research and explanatory graphics illustrating scientific methods, findings, or cause-and-effect relationships for public affairs, policy, or media audiences
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and digital illustration software for 2-D work
• Demonstrated ability to create highly detailed, scientifically accurate depictions of biological organisms, physical systems, environmental processes, and engineering concepts
• Ability to research subject matter independently and collaborate directly with subject-matter experts to verify accuracy
• Experience managing multiple simultaneous projects and meeting tight deadlines
• Ability to take creative direction from stakeholders and adapt visual approach to communication objectives and audience

Nice To Haves

• Background in drawing, sketching, and 3-D modeling (Autodesk Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D, ZBrush, or equivalent)
• Experience supporting federal clients, particularly in science communication, public affairs, or research communications contexts
• Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility compliance, including remediation of complex visual and PDF content
• Experience with motion graphics, animation, or video production in support of science communication

Responsibilities

• Create original scientific illustrations in traditional and digital formats — including 2-D and 3-D — to provide visual explanations of complex biological, physical, environmental, and engineering concepts.
• Develop diagrams and schematics that accurately represent scientific processes, systems, structures, and principles for use in press materials, publications, exhibits, and digital content.
• Design data-driven illustrations depicting workflows, conceptual models, cause-and-effect relationships, and research methods and findings.
• Create research and explanatory graphics translating scientific findings and methodologies for general and policy audiences.
• Illustrate and design infographics for press kits, press releases, media events, and other OLPA communications materials.
• Create graphic design and layout for print and digital media as assigned; design and edit Microsoft PowerPoint presentations and other digital documents as needed.
• Create animated or motion-graphic content as needed for video production, web content, and social media.
• Follow NSF’s branding guidelines and advise on implementation; help establish and maintain the Agency’s visual identity.
• Research subject matter for accuracy in all illustrations and graphics; communicate directly with NSF researchers and program officials to understand and interpret scientific content.
• Ensure all content meets current Section 508 accessibility requirements.
• Gather requirements from stakeholders; work collaboratively within the OLPA team as well as independently on assigned projects.
• Provide technical and artistic guidance to staff on visual information.
• Participate in special projects and perform other creative and visually related duties as assigned.
• Use Adobe Creative Cloud suite of products and related digital illustration software as the primary production environment, except where otherwise specified.

Benefits

• A range of comprehensive healthcare plans, encompassing medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with group life coverage. The firm covers 60% of the premium cost for employees and all dependents.
• Generous paid time off including paid federal holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with 4% company match
• Wellness programs and activities, and pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid Family Bonding for new parents, with 50% cost sharing for Short-Term Disability
• $1,000 family expansion benefit to offset costs often uncovered with medical plans: fertility treatment, adoption, and surrogacy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level