Graphic Designer (Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Contract)

Company: Zymo Research Corporation

Location: Tustin, CA

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-11-04

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This contract role focuses on strategic visual problem-solving to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, compelling, and brand-aligned marketing assets.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in crafting visuals for multi-channel campaigns, including digital ads, print collateral, and trade show displays, ensuring a consistent and impactful brand narrative.

• A key aspect of this role involves the proactive updating and evolution of brand guidelines, serving as the guardian of visual consistency across all company communications.

• The position requires close cross-functional collaboration with marketing, UX designers, and web developers to ensure seamless integration of visual elements with broader GTM strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is for a Graphic Designer, the description emphasizes "strategic visual problem-solving," "clarity, beauty, and brand alignment," and "telling the story of the brand and groundbreaking scientific tools." This indicates a need for a designer who understands marketing objectives and can contribute to the GTM strategy through impactful visuals, rather than purely aesthetic creation. The mention of AI design tools and automation also points towards an operations-minded approach to design efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the visual execution for marketing campaigns, developing hero graphics, product visuals, digital advertisements, and comprehensive print collateral.

• Translate intricate scientific ideas into clear, professional, and emotionally resonant visuals that accurately reflect Zymo Research's brand identity and mission.

• Update, maintain, and evolve brand guidelines to ensure unwavering consistency across all internal and external communication channels and departments.

• Develop and manage templates for various marketing materials to streamline production workflows, elevate creative quality, and ensure brand adherence.

• Collaborate closely with marketing teams, UX designers, web developers, and leadership to ensure strategic alignment and cohesive brand representation across all touchpoints.

• Manage relationships with external vendors, including printers, mailing houses, and trade show booth fabricators, by meticulously preparing and delivering production-ready files.

• Integrate emerging design technologies, including AI-driven design tools and automation solutions, to enhance workflow efficiency and optimize creative output.

• Professionally receive and integrate feedback, demonstrating curiosity and a commitment to elevating designs beyond the initial brief.

• Proactively identify gaps and opportunities in the company's visual storytelling strategy and propose innovative solutions.

• Ensure the highest standards of creative quality and accuracy are maintained across all design deliverables.

• Meticulously organize and archive all working files and final approved assets, adhering to established file-naming conventions and project closeout procedures for efficient asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational excellence. Tasks like "updating brand guidelines," "creating templates," "working with external vendors," "organizing and archiving files," and "staying current with AI design tools and automation" all point to a need for process-oriented thinking and efficient workflow management, which are core to operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for professional roles, though equivalent practical experience may be considered. Experience:

• 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for experience within an in-house marketing department or a creative agency setting.

• Proven experience in translating complex information (e.g., scientific concepts) into accessible and engaging visual narratives.

• Hands-on experience managing projects from concept to completion, including preparing and delivering print-ready files for production. Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

• Deep understanding of fundamental design principles, including visual hierarchy, typography, layout design, and color theory.

• Demonstrated ability to create multi-channel visual assets for both print and digital platforms.

• Proven experience in developing and maintaining brand guidelines and ensuring brand consistency across diverse applications.

• Familiarity with production processes and experience working with external vendors (printers, fabricators), including file preparation and quality control.

• Aptitude for and interest in utilizing AI-driven creative tools and automation to enhance design workflows.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and confidently present and defend design decisions to stakeholders.

• Collaborative mindset and an openness to constructive feedback and iterative design processes.

• A meticulous eye for detail, quality, and consistency in all visual outputs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the biotech, life sciences, or a B2B industry environment.

• Proficiency in photography or videography.

• Experience with motion design or animation software.

• Familiarity with collaborative design tools like Figma.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "expert-level proficiency" in Adobe Creative Suite, along with a "strong portfolio demonstrating multi-channel work," "experience working with production vendors," and "familiarity with AI-driven creative tools," suggests that candidates who can demonstrate efficiency and technical mastery in their design process will be highly valued. The "sharp eye for quality and consistency" and "mindset that looks beyond the brief to anticipate needs and elevate outcomes" also hint at a proactive, operations-focused approach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 years of professional design work, with a strong emphasis on multi-channel campaign execution (digital ads, print collateral, social media graphics).

• Inclusion of at least one detailed case study demonstrating the development and application of brand systems or updated brand guidelines.

• Examples of work that translate complex information (ideally scientific or technical) into clear, visually compelling assets.

• Demonstrations of experience working with production vendors, including examples of final press-ready files or explanations of the production process managed.

• Evidence of template creation for marketing materials, highlighting efficiency gains or quality improvements. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial brief intake and concept development to final asset delivery and file management.

• The ability to articulate how they ensure brand consistency and adherence to guidelines throughout the design lifecycle will be crucial.

• Specific examples of how they have utilized technology (including AI tools) to optimize workflow and improve output efficiency are highly valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating multi-channel work across print and digital, including examples of campaign work and brand systems," and the requirement to work with "production vendors and preparing press-ready files" strongly suggests that candidates need to showcase not just creative output but also their ability to manage the design process efficiently and professionally. The mention of "AI design tools and automation to improve workflow" further reinforces the need for a process-oriented approach.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated base compensation for this contract position is between $30 to $42 per hour. This range is determined by factors such as geographic location, candidate experience, skill set, and knowledge. Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Sessions

• Paid Vacation Time and Company Holidays

• Paid Sick Leave

• Generous 401(k) plan with company matching

• Employee Referral Bonus program

• On-site perks: Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages

• Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays

• Complimentary Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

• Cell phone stipend Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this role are approximately 40 hours per week. As a contract position, specific daily schedules may offer some flexibility, but on-site presence is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $30-$42/hour for a contract Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Tustin, CA, aligns with industry averages for skilled creative professionals in a high-cost-of-living area. The benefits listed are comprehensive for a contractor, indicating Zymo Research's commitment to employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Zymo Research operates within the Life Sciences and Biotechnology sector, focusing on providing innovative and reliable research tools and products for DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, and protein research. This industry demands precision, accuracy, and a commitment to scientific advancement. Company Size:

• Zymo Research is a recognized employer, having been named a "Top Workplace" multiple times. While not explicitly stated, this suggests a mid-to-large size organization with established HR practices and a focus on employee engagement. For a designer, this means opportunities to impact a broad range of internal and external communications within a structured environment. Founded:

• Founded in 1994, Zymo Research has a long-standing history in the scientific community, indicating stability and a deep understanding of its market. This longevity suggests a company with established processes and a culture that values expertise and reliability. Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will join the growing Marketing team, implying a collaborative departmental structure.

• This role will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director, working alongside other marketing specialists (e.g., content creators, digital marketers).

• Cross-functional collaboration with various departments, including R&D, Sales, and Product Development, is expected to ensure visual assets align with scientific accuracy and business objectives. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes innovation and quality in its scientific products, which likely translates to a design philosophy that values clarity, accuracy, and strategic visual communication.

• A data-driven approach to marketing and product development is common in the biotech industry, suggesting that design effectiveness may be measured by its impact on campaign performance and brand perception.

• Emphasis on "strategic visual problem-solving" indicates a methodical approach to design, focusing on achieving specific communication goals rather than purely aesthetic pursuits. Company Website:

• https://www.zymoresearch.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on science and innovation suggests a culture that values precision, clarity, and forward-thinking. For a designer, this means creating visuals that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also scientifically accurate and strategically aligned with the company's mission to "elevate science." The "Top Workplace" recognition implies a positive and supportive work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring 3-5 years of professional experience. It involves leading visual execution for campaigns and contributing to brand strategy, indicating a significant level of autonomy and responsibility beyond junior design tasks. The "contract" nature suggests this might be for a specific project or to supplement the existing team, offering a focused scope of work. Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to a member of the Marketing team, likely a Marketing Manager or Director.

• Collaboration will extend across various departments, including Marketing, UX Design, Web Development, and potentially Sales and R&D leadership, requiring strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Operations Impact:

• The designer's work will directly influence how Zymo Research's brand and scientific tools are perceived globally.

• High-quality, strategically aligned visuals are crucial for effective GTM strategies, impacting lead generation, brand recognition, and customer engagement within the scientific community.

• By translating complex scientific ideas into clear visuals, the designer plays a vital role in educating and persuading target audiences, thereby supporting sales and business development efforts. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like biotech/life sciences branding, campaign design, or advanced digital asset creation.

• Technology Adoption: Gain practical experience integrating AI design tools and automation into a professional workflow, enhancing efficiency and staying current with industry trends.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Develop a broader understanding of marketing strategy, product development, and GTM initiatives through close collaboration with diverse teams.

• Portfolio Enhancement: The diverse range of projects (campaigns, collateral, trade shows) will significantly strengthen the designer's professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the responsibilities outlined (leading campaigns, evolving brand guidelines, collaborating cross-functionally) suggest it offers substantial experience that can contribute to career growth within design and marketing operations. The emphasis on strategic visual problem-solving and AI tools points to opportunities for developing in-demand skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This is an on-site position located at Zymo Research's Operations/HQ in Tustin, CA. The environment is expected to be a professional office setting within a company recognized as a "Top Workplace." Office Location(s):

• The role is based at Zymo Research Operations/HQ, 2961 Dow Ave. Tustin, CA 92780. This location is in Orange County, California, offering access to a vibrant business community. Workspace Context:

• The designer will be part of a growing Marketing team, suggesting a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

• Access to standard design software and potentially company-provided hardware will be available.

• The role requires close interaction with marketing colleagues, as well as other departments, fostering a communicative and team-oriented atmosphere.

• The company provides on-site amenities like complimentary snacks, beverages, and catered lunches, contributing to a positive and comfortable work experience. Work Schedule:

• The role is approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time contract position. While specific daily start/end times might offer some flexibility depending on team needs, consistent on-site presence is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Tustin, CA, is a key factor for candidates. The description of the office environment, including "Top Workplace" recognition and on-site perks, suggests a positive and supportive culture that values employee well-being and collaboration.

📄 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 crucial step where candidates will present their portfolio, highlighting relevant multi-channel campaign work, brand system development, and ability to translate complex concepts visually. Be prepared to discuss your design process and decision-making.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: May involve a design challenge or a detailed discussion of past projects to evaluate proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, understanding of design principles, and ability to meet project requirements under deadlines.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager and potentially key team members to assess technical skills, collaborative approach, and alignment with the marketing team's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize multi-channel campaigns, brand system work, and examples that demonstrate translating complex ideas.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process, key challenges, and the final outcome. Highlight how you ensured brand consistency and met objectives.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%," "streamlined asset production by Y%"). If direct metrics aren't available, articulate the strategic value and intended impact of your design.

• Highlight Collaboration & Problem-Solving: Include examples that show how you collaborated with stakeholders, received feedback, and used design to solve specific business or communication problems.

• Prepare for AI/Automation Discussion: Be ready to discuss your familiarity with AI design tools and how you see them being integrated into a design workflow for efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the objectives, target audience, and any constraints. Ask clarifying questions.

• Focus on Strategy: Demonstrate how your design choices support the strategic goals of the campaign or brand.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across concepting, design, and refinement.

• Presentation Readiness: Be prepared to present your work clearly and concisely, articulating your rationale and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating multi-channel work across print and digital, including examples of campaign work and brand systems" and the need to "work with external vendors such as printers...preparing and delivering production-ready files" indicates that the application process will likely involve a rigorous review of design process and technical execution, not just creative output.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency is mandatory, with a specific focus on:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and complex layouts.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout, print collateral, brochures, and template creation.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, digital ads, and web graphics.

• AI Design Tools: Familiarity and willingness to experiment with AI-driven creative tools for workflow improvement and automation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how design assets perform in digital channels (e.g., website analytics, ad performance metrics) can inform design decisions. Familiarity with how creative is tracked and measured is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for the designer, but understanding how marketing automation platforms utilize visual assets would be advantageous. Collaboration Tools:

• Figma (Preferred): Experience with Figma or similar digital collaboration tools is a plus, indicating comfort with modern design workflows and team-based asset development.

• Standard project management and communication tools (e.g., email, Slack, project management software) will be used for team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "expert-level proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop in particular)" and "Familiarity with AI-driven creative tools and the willingness to experiment and optimize with new technology" are critical technical requirements. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their mastery of these tools and their proactive approach to adopting new technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Reliability: As a scientific company, Zymo Research values accuracy, precision, and dependability in all its outputs, including design.

• Innovation: The company fosters an environment of creating innovative research tools, suggesting a culture that embraces new ideas and approaches in marketing and design.

• Collaboration: The emphasis on a "growing Marketing team" and cross-functional collaboration indicates a team-oriented environment where shared goals and open communication are valued.

• Strategic Thinking: The role emphasizes "strategic visual problem-solving," suggesting that the company values design that serves a clear purpose and contributes to broader business objectives.

• Professionalism & Curiosity: The expectation to "accept and integrate feedback with professionalism and curiosity" highlights a culture that values continuous improvement and a growth mindset.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with marketing, UX, web development, and other departments, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: The culture encourages open feedback and iterative design processes to refine assets and ensure they meet evolving needs.

• Proactive Contribution: Employees are encouraged to identify opportunities and propose solutions, indicating a culture that values initiative and proactive engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, as inferred from the job description and its industry, likely center around scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration. For a designer, this means producing work that is not only visually appealing but also technically accurate, strategically aligned, and developed in a collaborative, feedback-rich environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Scientific Complexity: A primary challenge will be to visually interpret and communicate complex scientific concepts in a way that is both accurate and easily understandable to diverse audiences (scientists, business leaders, global partners).

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Campaign Needs: Maintaining strict brand adherence while creating fresh, impactful visuals for various campaigns and channels can be demanding.

• Adopting New Technologies: Staying current with and effectively integrating AI design tools and automation into existing workflows requires a proactive learning approach.

• Managing Vendor Relationships: Coordinating with external vendors for print production and other services requires meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and understanding of production timelines and requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Biotech/Life Sciences Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for a specific, high-impact industry.

• AI in Design Mastery: Become proficient in utilizing AI tools to enhance design efficiency, explore new creative avenues, and streamline workflows.

• Cross-Departmental Insight: Gain a broader understanding of marketing strategy, product development, and GTM execution through close collaboration.

• Production Process Expertise: Develop strong skills in print production management and vendor coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented, such as translating scientific complexity and integrating new technologies, offer significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development, particularly in areas relevant to modern marketing operations and specialized design fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating complex scientific information into clear, compelling visual assets." (Focus on your methodology, research, and iteration steps.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple channels and for different campaign objectives?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and systematic approach.)

• "Walk us through a campaign you led visually from concept to final delivery. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Use the STAR method; emphasize collaboration and problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach incorporating new technologies, such as AI design tools, into your workflow?" (Discuss your curiosity, experimentation, and focus on efficiency/enhancement.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Zymo Research and our mission in the life sciences?" (Research their products, recent news, and core values.)

• "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize professionalism, curiosity, and a focus on improving the outcome.)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with marketing, technical teams, or external vendors." (Provide specific examples of successful cross-functional projects.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically. For each project, cover the brief, your role, your process, the challenges, the solutions, and the results/impact.

• Quantify Where Possible: If you have metrics on engagement, efficiency, or campaign success tied to your designs, present them.

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Explain why you made certain design decisions, linking them to campaign objectives or brand strategy.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite and any AI tools. Demonstrate your understanding of file preparation for print and digital.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Respect the interviewer's time. Tell a compelling story for each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also a strategic, process-oriented approach, especially given the emphasis on translating complex information, using AI tools, and collaborating cross-functionally. The portfolio is key to showcasing this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contract Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the TriNet hiring platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in multi-channel campaign design, brand guideline development, and translating complex information visually. Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples relevant to the biotech or B2B sector if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and any experience with AI design tools. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Developed X templates that reduced production time by Y%").

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, strategic decision-making, and collaborative approach. Be ready to discuss your experience with production vendors and file preparation.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Zymo Research's products, mission, and recent achievements. Understand their brand aesthetic and target audience to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.

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