Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Cell Signaling Technology

Location: DANVERS, MA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design

Date Posted: March 24, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to the design team, reporting to the Creative Director, and focuses on creating high-impact visual assets for both digital and traditional media.

• It involves significant collaboration with marketing, product management, and scientific writing teams to define project scope and deliverables.

• The position requires end-to-end management of the design process, from initial concept through final production and implementation, with a strong emphasis on motion graphics, interactive content, and modern digital standards.

• Responsibilities include maintaining corporate branding and identity, designing product packaging, and continuously researching new design techniques and trends to enhance visual content effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a core contributor within a specialized design team, requiring a blend of creative execution, project management, and brand stewardship within a scientific context. The emphasis on "modern digital standards" and "campaign impact" suggests a need for data-informed design decisions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Planning & Collaboration (15%):

  • Partner cross-functionally with Marketing Managers, Product Management, Scientific Writers, and Regional Managers to clearly define project scope, goals, and deliverables.
  • Manage the complete design process autonomously, from initial conceptualization to final production and implementation, with minimal supervision.
  • Coordinate multiple project timelines simultaneously, working with internal teams and external vendors to ensure on-time delivery.

• Graphic & Visual Design (65%):

  • Design and produce compelling motion graphics, animated elements, and short-form video for social media, website content, and digital advertising, optimizing for engagement and modern digital standards.
  • Utilize the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere) and web publishing tools (HTML5, PDF) to create custom iconography, photographic imagery, and illustrations.
  • Actively research design best practices and measure campaign impact to recommend design changes that improve performance and reduce production effort.

• Corporate Branding & Identity (5%):

  • Serve as a steward of the corporate style guide, ensuring all materials adhere to a consistent and professional "CST" look and feel.
  • Develop and maintain standardized Marcom templates to streamline design workflows while ensuring brand alignment.
  • Design core corporate identity assets including stationery, business cards, logos, and global presentation templates.

• Packaging & Product Design (5%):

  • Conceptualize and design physical product packaging, such as containers, sleeves, labels, and mailing envelopes.
  • Collaborate with Product Management to ensure packaging designs align with brand strategy and meet strict regulatory standards.

• Maintenance, Implementation & Support (10%):

  • Manage the ongoing maintenance and implementation of graphic projects, adapting materials for various formats, channels, and global regions.

  • Continuously research and implement new graphic design techniques, formats, and trends to keep visual content fresh and competitive.

📝 Enhancement Note: The breakdown of responsibilities by percentage highlights a strong focus on hands-on design execution (65%), with significant emphasis on digital and motion graphics. The inclusion of "measure campaign impact" and "recommend design changes" indicates an expectation for data-driven design optimization rather than purely aesthetic creation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of related professional graphic design experience, preferably within a corporate or technical/scientific environment.

• Proven ability to manage the end-to-end design process (concept to finish) with minimal supervision.

Required Skills:

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat).

• Knowledge of Adobe Premiere or comparable video editing software.

• Experience with creating compelling 2D & 3D animations.

• Experience with the four-color printing process, including preparing print files and overseeing press checks.

• Proficiency in Google Slides and Microsoft Office PowerPoint for global sales templates.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across departments and international regions; confidence in presenting and explaining creative ideas.

• Ability to work cooperatively with many personalities and cultures.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in creative concept development for print, digital advertising, and social media.

• Experience in developing compelling graphics and content for trade show and events environments.

• Experience in video production: shooting, editing, animating.

• Experience with digital asset managers like Bynder.

• Experience creating and managing brand style guides.

• Experience in developing and editing PowerPoint and Google Slides templates and content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience, coupled with proficiency in a wide range of Adobe tools and animation, positions this as a mid-level to senior designer role. The preference for experience in a scientific/technical environment and digital asset management suggests a need for candidates who can quickly integrate into a specialized industry and manage digital assets effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on digital media, motion graphics, and animation.

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects from initial concept through to final execution, including examples of how design decisions were made based on project goals and target audience.

• Examples of corporate branding initiatives, including style guide adherence and template development for consistency.

• Case studies or examples of packaging design, highlighting the integration of brand strategy and any regulatory considerations.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for approaching design projects, including:

  • Workflow for collaborative projects involving cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, product management).

  • Methods for managing multiple projects with competing deadlines and prioritizing tasks.

  • Strategies for integrating feedback from various stakeholders while maintaining design integrity.

  • Approach to researching design trends and best practices to inform creative output.

  • Process for preparing and delivering print-ready files and overseeing production.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio submission requirement in the raw input, the detailed responsibilities and required skills strongly imply that a robust portfolio is essential for demonstrating competence. The emphasis on process and collaboration suggests that candidates will be evaluated on their ability to articulate their design workflow and how they integrate into a team environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $81,000 - $120,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Medical (BCBS) and Dental (Delta Dental) plans: Paid at 90% by the employer.

• Vision Insurance.

• Life Insurance, Short and Long Term Disability.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

• 401(k) Plan: With a 6% employer match.

• Tuition Reimbursement.

• Generous PTO package.

• Parental Leave.

• Pet Insurance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Onsite Subsidized Cafeteria.

Working Hours:

• The role is expected to adhere to standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week. The physical conditions section suggests a typical office-based schedule with periods of independent desk work and virtual meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within typical market rates for a Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience in the Massachusetts area, particularly for a specialized scientific company. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on health and retirement plans, and attractive perks like tuition reimbursement and a subsidized cafeteria.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Life Sciences / Biotechnology / Scientific Research Tools.

• Cell Signaling Technology (CST) operates in a highly specialized and rigorous scientific field. This industry demands precision, accuracy, and a deep understanding of complex biological processes. The company's commitment to scientific rigor and innovation is a core cultural pillar.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify exact employee count, but typical life science companies of this nature are mid-to-large, often with hundreds to thousands of employees globally. This implies a structured environment with established processes, yet with potential for impact.

Founded: Over 20 years ago.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Creative Director, indicating a clear reporting line within a creative department.

• Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Marketing Managers, Product Management, Scientific Writers, and Regional Managers, suggesting a matrixed team environment where design supports various business functions.

• Cross-functional Integration: The graphic designer will work with individuals across different departments and potentially global regions, necessitating strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate diverse perspectives and cultures.

Methodology:

• Scientific Rigor: The company's foundation in research implies a data-driven and evidence-based approach to all operations, including marketing and design.

• Innovation: A commitment to technological innovation is stated, suggesting an openness to new design techniques and tools.

• Environmental & Social Responsibility: CST is a member of 1% for the Planet and aims for net-zero emissions by 2029, indicating a strong focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility that may influence design considerations (e.g., material choices for packaging).

Company Website: https://www.cellsignal.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's scientific heritage and commitment to sustainability are key cultural differentiators. For a Graphic Designer, this means understanding the nuances of communicating complex scientific concepts visually and potentially incorporating eco-conscious design principles. The "research scientist-led" ethos likely translates to a culture that values accuracy, detail, and a problem-solving mindset.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-level to Senior Graphic Designer.

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's impact is critical to how Cell Signaling Technology presents itself to the scientific community and broader market. High-impact visual assets, consistent branding, and effective communication materials directly support marketing campaigns, product launches, and overall brand perception. The role contributes to:
  • Enhancing brand recognition and credibility within the life sciences industry.
  • Improving the clarity and effectiveness of scientific communication.
  • Supporting sales and marketing efforts through compelling visual collateral.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in motion graphics, video production, and digital advertising design, staying at the forefront of visual communication trends.

• Specialization: Develop specialized knowledge in designing for the life sciences industry, understanding scientific visualization nuances and regulatory requirements.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and initiative, opportunities may arise for leading specific design projects, mentoring junior designers, or contributing to broader creative strategy under the Creative Director.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience within a leading biotechnology company, understanding the unique design challenges and opportunities in this sector.

• Cross-functional Development: Enhance skills in project management, stakeholder communication, and strategic collaboration through close work with marketing and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential here is tied to both creative skill development and strategic business contribution. The emphasis on scientific communication and digital engagement offers a unique specialization path within the broader graphic design field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Independent Desk Work: The role involves significant time at a desk for design tasks, requiring a comfortable and functional workspace.

• Collaborative Environment: The description emphasizes collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, suggesting shared office spaces or meeting rooms designed for interaction and brainstorming.

• Tools & Technology: Access to a professional suite of design tools (Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.) and standard office technology (computers, presentation software) is implied.

• Amenities: Onsite subsidized cafeteria and free parking are provided, enhancing the daily work experience.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (likely 40 hours/week) are expected. While the description emphasizes independent work, the collaborative nature suggests a need for availability during core business hours to align with team schedules and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and team synergy. The mention of specific amenities like a subsidized cafeteria and free parking indicates a well-supported office environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates will present their work to the Creative Director and potentially other design or marketing team members. This will involve discussing past projects, design rationale, and problem-solving approaches.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: Candidates may be given a small design challenge or asked to critique existing company materials to assess their practical skills, strategic thinking, and understanding of the brand.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with marketing managers or product leads to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to understand business objectives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or the hiring manager to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best align with the responsibilities outlined (motion graphics, digital assets, branding, packaging).

• Highlight Process: For each project, be prepared to articulate your design process, including:

  • Understanding the brief and objectives.
  • Research and ideation phases.
  • Software and techniques used.
  • Challenges encountered and how you overcame them.
  • Rationale behind key design decisions.

• Showcase Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback demonstrating the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand consistency, successful campaign results).

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples that showcase your range, from digital campaigns and social media graphics to print materials and packaging.

• Brand Sensitivity: Be ready to discuss how you approach brand guidelines and maintain consistency, particularly relevant given CST's emphasis on brand stewardship.

• Prepare for Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly. Be ready to answer questions about your creative choices and technical skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly review Cell Signaling Technology's website, branding, and current marketing materials to grasp their visual identity, tone, and industry context.

• Focus on Core Skills: If presented with a challenge, prioritize demonstrating your proficiency in the required software (Adobe Creative Suite) and your ability to create effective visual solutions for scientific/technical audiences.

• Think Strategically: Consider the business objectives behind any design task. How does the design solve a problem or achieve a goal?

• Communicate Clearly: Articulate your thought process and design decisions clearly and concisely, as you would in a collaborative meeting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes portfolio evaluation and the ability to articulate design strategy and process. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also explain the "why" behind their creative decisions, demonstrating a strategic and collaborative mindset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, icons, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout, print collateral, and presentation templates.
  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, digital assets, and web graphics.
  • Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and print file preparation.

• Premiere Pro (or comparable): For video editing and motion graphics production.

• Google Slides & Microsoft PowerPoint: For creating and maintaining global sales and presentation templates.

• HTML5 & PDF: For web publishing and interactive content.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Digital Asset Management (Preferred):

• Bynder (or similar DAM): Experience with digital asset management systems is preferred, indicating the company uses or plans to use such a system for organizing and distributing creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite is paramount. Proficiency in video editing and presentation software is also a core requirement. Familiarity with digital asset management systems is a plus, suggesting a growing emphasis on organized and efficient creative resource management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Scientific Rigor & Accuracy: Reflecting the company's scientific foundation, there's an implicit value on precision, detail, and correctness in all communications.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: The company's commitment to technological innovation suggests a culture that encourages exploring new techniques and staying ahead of design trends.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The need to work with diverse teams across departments and regions highlights the importance of strong collaborative skills and an ability to integrate into group efforts.

• Quality & Excellence: As a company that provides "best-in-class products and services," there's a strong underlying value placed on high quality and professional output in all areas, including design.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: CST's commitment to 1% for the Planet and net-zero emissions indicates a value placed on environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The graphic designer is expected to be a proactive partner to marketing, product management, and scientific teams. This requires strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to translate diverse needs into visual solutions.

• Feedback-Driven: The role involves working with multiple stakeholders, implying a culture where feedback is regularly exchanged and incorporated into the design process.

• Process-Oriented: With responsibilities like template development and managing standardized Marcom templates, there's an emphasis on creating efficient and repeatable design processes.

• Global Awareness: The need to adapt materials for global regions suggests a collaborative style that is sensitive to cultural differences and international market needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to blend scientific seriousness with a forward-thinking, collaborative, and responsible approach. A designer who can balance creative vision with practical, brand-aligned, and data-informed execution will likely thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Communicating Complex Science Visually: Translating intricate scientific concepts and data into clear, engaging, and accurate visual assets is a primary challenge. This requires understanding the subject matter or working very closely with subject matter experts.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining a strict corporate brand identity while also incorporating modern design trends and creating fresh visual content requires a delicate balance.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Demands: Effectively navigating and synthesizing feedback from various departments (Marketing, Product, Sales, Regional Managers) and ensuring all needs are addressed without compromising design integrity.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Standards: Keeping pace with rapid changes in digital media formats, optimization requirements, and platform-specific best practices for social media, web, and advertising.

• Prioritization under Pressure: Simultaneously managing numerous projects with potentially competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Motion Graphics & Video: Deepen skills in animation, video editing, and interactive content creation, potentially through specialized training or project assignments.

• Scientific Visualization Expertise: Develop a deeper understanding of scientific illustration, data visualization, and the specific needs of the life sciences industry.

• Brand Strategy: Gain further insight into brand management, style guide development, and how design contributes to overall corporate strategy.

• Project Management: Enhance project management skills through direct responsibility for end-to-end project lifecycles and coordination with vendors.

• Cross-cultural Communication: Improve skills in working with international teams and adapting designs for global markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a designer in a specialized, fast-paced industry. The growth opportunities are directly linked to overcoming these challenges and expanding expertise in relevant areas, particularly in scientific communication and digital media.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Can you walk us through your process for creating a new social media campaign graphic from brief to final delivery?" (Focus: Project management, creative thinking, tool proficiency, optimization)

• Brand Stewardship: "How do you ensure brand consistency across various media, especially when working with different teams or international partners?" (Focus: Understanding of brand guidelines, collaboration, attention to detail)

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to present a creative concept that was met with resistance. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus: Communication, persuasion, adaptability)

• Industry Relevance: "What are your thoughts on the current design trends in the life sciences or biotech industry? How do you stay current?" (Focus: Industry awareness, continuous learning, strategic application of trends)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Mission: "What interests you about Cell Signaling Technology and our mission to support scientific research?" (Focus: Genuine interest, alignment with company values)

• Collaboration Style: "How do you prefer to collaborate with non-designers, such as scientists or marketing managers, to ensure their needs are met while maintaining design quality?" (Focus: Communication, teamwork, stakeholder management)

• Impact Measurement: "How have you used data or campaign results to inform your design decisions or improve future creative work?" (Focus: Data-driven design, analytical thinking)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative is Key: For each project, tell a story: What was the challenge? What was your role? What was your solution? What was the impact?

• Showcase Breadth & Depth: Include examples that highlight your core skills (motion graphics, branding, packaging) and your ability to adapt to different project types.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the tools and techniques you used, especially within the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If possible, mention how you collaborated with others on the project.

• Keep it Concise: Aim for 3-5 minutes per project, allowing ample time for discussion.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your creative choices, challenges, and how your work aligns with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also strategic thinking, strong communication, and the ability to integrate into a scientific and collaborative environment. The portfolio presentation is a crucial opportunity to showcase these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples relevant to the job description, such as motion graphics, digital assets for marketing, corporate branding, and packaging design. Tailor your selection to highlight your experience in technical or scientific fields if applicable.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 5+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and video editing software, and any experience with 2D/3D animation or scientific/technical design. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review the company's website and branding. Prepare to discuss your design process, how you handle collaboration and feedback, and present your portfolio with confidence, focusing on the "why" behind your creative decisions.

• Company Research: Understand Cell Signaling Technology's mission, values, and commitment to scientific rigor and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your design skills can support these aspects.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.