Scientific Illustrator

Who We Are

DCG is an award-winning, full-service engagement, digital, research, and data company with over 15 years of experience supporting the military, Veterans, and the American public. DCG strategically researches, plans, executes, and evaluates large-scale, multi-platform outreach initiatives across a wide range of mission-driven issues including human trafficking awareness, mental health stigma reduction, suicide prevention, ending homelessness, Veteran health, transportation safety, small business resources, and public diplomacy, to name a few. Additionally, our research and digital teams employ mixed methods research, Human-Centered Design (HCD), and change management principles to integrate new technologies built around well-researched user journeys.

Position Overview

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 

Location

Alexandria, VA

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.

Required Qualifications

• 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

Desired Qualifications

• 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

Culture at DCG 

DCG boasts a flexible and adaptable culture. We value hardworking, self-motivated, and dedicated team members and are committed to fostering ample opportunities for career advancement.  Get a glimpse into our culture here:

• DCG Life Medium Blog: https://medium.com/dcg-life
• DCG Life Instagram: @dcglife

Benefits Snapshot

• 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

*Note that the above benefits are available only to full-time employees of DCG*

All qualified applicants will receive due consideration for employment without regard to personal characteristics or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local law to include Veteran or disability status. DCG does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind in the workplace, and we are committed to fostering a corporate culture that respects and values differences of thought informed by unique experiences.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please contact hr@dcgcommunications.com.