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 Foundations (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 NSFs public affairs press and science communication programs. All work must meet Section 508 accessibility requirements and align with NSFs 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 NSFs branding guidelines and advise on implementation; help establish and maintain the Agencys 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

• Bachelors 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: 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
• $1000 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.