Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking a Scientific Illustrator to join the Creative Services team. This is a casual, non-exempt position, and is eligible for casual benefits.
WHOI Creative Studio is looking for a talented scientific illustrator. Since the success of the first oceanographic expedition of the HMS Challenger, ocean science has needed visual storytellers to communicate this wild planet-defining feature that connects us all. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is committed to understanding all facets of the ocean by advancing technology and discovery to provide unbiased information about the importance of the global ocean and its resources. Scientific communicators play an essential role in this mission as illustrations can be the only way to capture the vastness and complexity of ocean science or ideas.
As a science illustrator at WHOI, you will collaborate with scientific/engineering staff, administrative clients, editors, and the communications team. You will be working in a fast-paced environment and will need to meet the highest quality standard under continuously ambitious deadlines. Your work has the potential to be published regularly in a variety of diverse platforms including scientific publications and/or presentations, whoi.edu, as well as Oceanus magazine.
Essential Functions
- Work independently to create scientifically accurate and precise illustrations for a wide range of subjects in a fast-paced environment
- Support the scientific, engineering, and administration teams by producing presentation materials for internal and external reports and documents
- Brainstorm with researchers to create novel ways of visualizing difficult concepts
- Design graphs of scientific data, flow charts, and organizational diagrams
- Plan page layouts and illustration concepts working closely with creative director and editor of Oceanus magazine
- Provide cover designs for scientific publications
- Develop three-dimensional models and images for exhibits and presentations
- Develop illustrations from concept and sketches to finished product
- Closely mimic pre-existing art styles and develop new art styles
- Meet deadlines and maintain effective, responsive communication with clients and colleagues
- Attention to detail and quality control
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences or related field required.
- Thorough knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite especially Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
- Knowledge of other appropriate design software such as 3D modeling (Cinema 4D) and mapping (QGIS or ArcGIS).
- Experience working independently and collaboratively with a diverse group of clients and their staff.
- Sound organizational and detail-oriented skills in a high-volume production unit.
- Ability to brainstorm, take direction, collaborate, and be part of a team.
- Interest/passion for ocean science.
- Ability to explore multiple art directions.
- Ability to solve problems creatively in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to develop ideas through sketches, take feedback, and take the sketches to a high level of finish.
Physical Requirements
Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to: occasional standing and/or walking along with being mostly and continuously sedentary. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Physical duties are subject to change.
