Graphic Designer (contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Contract)

Company: Zymo Research Corporation

Location: Tustin, CA

Job Type: Contract

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead visual execution for marketing campaigns, encompassing hero graphics, digital ads, and print collateral, ensuring brand consistency and strategic alignment across all channels.

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

• Develop and maintain comprehensive brand guidelines and templates to streamline marketing material production and enhance overall quality and brand integrity.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, UX design, web development, and leadership teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging and strategic integration of visual assets.

• Manage external vendor relationships, including printers and fabricators, by preparing and delivering precise, production-ready files to meet project specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is identified as a Contract position for 6 months, focusing on visual execution and brand consistency within a science-driven organization. The emphasis on translating complex scientific ideas into compelling visuals and managing vendor relationships indicates a need for strong project management and specialized design skills beyond typical creative tasks, aligning it with a "Creative Operations" or specialized "Marketing Operations" function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the visual design and execution of marketing campaigns, creating impactful hero images, digital advertisements, and comprehensive print collateral.

• Develop visually compelling assets that effectively communicate intricate scientific advancements and product benefits to diverse audiences, including scientists, business leaders, and global partners.

• Update, refine, and enforce brand guidelines across all internal departments and external communications to maintain a unified and professional brand presence.

• Design and implement standardized templates for various marketing materials (e.g., brochures, presentations, social media posts) to optimize efficiency and uphold design quality.

• Partner closely with marketing strategists, UX/UI designers, web developers, and executive leadership to ensure seamless integration of visual elements with broader GTM strategies and digital platforms.

• Liaise with external vendors such as printers, mailing houses, and trade show booth fabricators, meticulously preparing and delivering production-ready files with strict adherence to specifications and deadlines.

• Proactively research and integrate emerging design technologies, including AI-driven creative tools and automation solutions, to enhance workflow efficiency and elevate design output.

• Professionally receive, interpret, and implement feedback from stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and collaborative problem-solving.

• Identify opportunities for visual storytelling enhancement and proactively propose innovative design solutions to address potential gaps in brand communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational oversight, particularly in managing brand assets, templates, and vendor files. The emphasis on translating complex scientific ideas and staying current with AI tools suggests a need for strategic thinking and adaptability within the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring 3-5 years of experience.

Experience: 3–5 years of progressive professional experience in graphic design, with a preference for in-house or agency settings, demonstrating a track record of successful multi-channel campaign execution.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for creating and manipulating a wide range of visual assets.

• Deep understanding of fundamental design principles, including visual hierarchy, typography, layout design, and color theory, to create effective and aesthetically pleasing designs.

• Proven ability to develop and maintain comprehensive brand guidelines, ensuring consistent application of brand elements across all creative outputs.

• Demonstrated experience in preparing and delivering production-ready files for various vendors (print, digital, trade show) with meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of multi-channel design work (print and digital), including examples of integrated marketing campaigns and established brand systems.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to confidently present design concepts, articulate rationale, and engage in constructive feedback sessions.

• Collaborative mindset and a proactive approach to working within cross-functional teams, valuing teamwork and shared success.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the biotech, life sciences, or B2B industry environments, understanding the nuances of communicating scientific or technical information.

• Proficiency with AI-driven creative tools and a demonstrated willingness to experiment with and optimize workflows using emerging technologies.

• Familiarity with Figma or similar digital collaboration and prototyping tools for enhanced team workflow and asset management.

• Basic photography or videography skills for asset creation or enhancement.

• Experience with motion design or animation principles for dynamic visual content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio demonstrating multi-channel work and brand systems, combined with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience, suggests this role is for a mid-level designer with a solid understanding of brand management and campaign execution, rather than an entry-level position. The "Bonus Points" indicate areas where candidates can differentiate themselves significantly.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio that clearly showcases a minimum of 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience across both print and digital mediums.

• Specific examples of integrated marketing campaign visual executions, demonstrating the ability to create cohesive assets for a single campaign.

• Demonstrations of brand system development and application, illustrating the creation and consistent use of brand guidelines across various touchpoints.

• Case studies or examples of work with production vendors, highlighting experience in preparing and delivering press-ready files for printing, fabrication, or digital deployment.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of experience in updating and evolving brand guidelines, showcasing an understanding of brand governance and consistency management.

• Examples of created and maintained templates for marketing materials, demonstrating efficiency in streamlining design production and ensuring quality control.

• Documentation or discussion of workflow optimization strategies, particularly those involving the integration of new design technologies like AI tools.

• Case studies detailing cross-functional collaboration processes, illustrating how design integrated with marketing, UX, and development teams to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating not just creative skill but also the ability to manage brand assets, work with production processes, and collaborate effectively. Emphasis should be placed on projects that show strategic thinking and problem-solving beyond simple aesthetics.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated base compensation for this contract position is $30 to $42 per hour. This range is determined by factors such as geographic location (Tustin, CA), experience level (2-5 years), and specific job-related skills and knowledge. Actual compensation will be provided in writing at the time of offer.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverages: Comprehensive health and life insurance plans provided.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Sessions: Confidential counseling and support services.

• Vacation Time plus Company Holidays: Paid time off for rest and personal time.

• Paid Sick Leave: Provisions for paid time off due to illness.

• Generous 401(K) with matching: Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.

• Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages: On-site amenities to support employee well-being.

• Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays: Regular catered meals provided to staff.

• Complimentary EV Charging: On-site charging stations for electric vehicles.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are estimated to be 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time contract role. This role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Tustin, CA location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate is typical for a contract Graphic Designer in the Southern California region with the specified experience level. The benefits package is extensive for a contract role, suggesting a strong commitment to employee well-being and long-term engagement, even for temporary positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology and Life Sciences. Zymo Research is a global biotech company focused on developing and providing cutting-edge tools for life science research, known for its quality, sustainability, and scientific integrity since its founding in 1994.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Zymo Research is described as a "global biotech company," suggesting it is likely a medium to large enterprise with established departments and processes.

Founded: 1994. This indicates a company with a significant history and proven track record in the life science industry, implying a stable and experienced organizational structure.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing team, working closely with marketers, UX designers, and web developers.

• This role requires collaboration across various departments, suggesting a matrixed or project-based team structure common in dynamic organizations.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied by the scientific nature of the company and the need for clear visual communication of complex ideas.

• Workflow optimization is a key aspect, with the role expected to leverage new technologies like AI and maintain templates for efficiency.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring designers to integrate their work with broader marketing and product development efforts.

Company Website: zymoresearch.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on science and innovation, coupled with its long history, suggests a culture that values expertise, precision, and forward-thinking. The emphasis on collaboration and visual problem-solving for scientific communication points to a professional environment where design is seen as a strategic asset.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience. It involves leading visual execution for campaigns and updating brand guidelines, indicating a level of responsibility beyond junior design tasks. The "contract" nature suggests it might be a project-based engagement or a trial period for potential long-term opportunities.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, who oversees the overall marketing strategy and brand execution. Collaboration will extend to other members of the marketing team, as well as UX designers and web developers.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's brand perception, market communication, and the clarity with which scientific innovations are presented. Effective visual design is crucial for attracting talent, engaging customers, and building trust in a competitive biotech landscape. The role contributes to the efficiency of marketing operations through template creation and the strategic use of design assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as scientific illustration, motion graphics, or advanced AI design tool integration.

• Brand System Development: Potential to take on more significant roles in evolving and managing the company's comprehensive brand identity.

• Cross-functional Project Leadership: Possibility to lead visual aspects of larger, cross-departmental projects, enhancing project management and strategic collaboration skills.

• Contract-to-Hire Potential: Depending on performance and business needs, this contract role could lead to a full-time, permanent position with further growth opportunities within Zymo Research.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a contract role, the responsibilities and potential for impact suggest significant learning and development opportunities, especially in applying design to a specialized scientific field and managing production workflows.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, located at Zymo Research Operations in Tustin, CA. This indicates a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration and access to company resources are expected.

Office Location(s): 2961 Dow Ave. Tustin, CA 92780. This is a specific location within Orange County, California, providing a clear geographical anchor for the on-site work arrangement.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office environment is expected, facilitating direct interaction with marketing colleagues, UX designers, and web developers.

• Access to standard office technology and design software, including Adobe Creative Suite, is a given. The company also encourages the use of AI design tools.

• The environment likely supports a professional atmosphere where scientific innovation is paramount, with design serving to amplify these advancements.

Work Schedule: The role is expected to involve approximately 40 hours per week. As an on-site position, a consistent daily schedule within standard business hours is likely, with potential for occasional flexibility depending on project deadlines and vendor interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests an environment that values in-person collaboration and direct access to company resources, which can be beneficial for designers needing to interact with physical samples, attend team meetings, or work closely with other departments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and creative output.

• Portfolio Presentation/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role, process, and outcomes. A design challenge related to translating scientific concepts or creating campaign assets might be administered.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with marketing team members, UX designers, or other stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and understanding of brand strategy.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Marketing Director) to discuss cultural fit, long-term vision, and contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase multi-channel work, campaign execution, and brand system application. Tailor selections to highlight experience with scientific or B2B contexts if possible.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, clearly articulate the problem/brief, your role and process, the solutions you designed, and the impact or outcome. Use visuals effectively to guide the viewer.

• Highlight Production Expertise: Include examples or detailed descriptions of how you prepared files for vendors, demonstrating an understanding of print specifications, color profiles, and file formats.

• Showcase Brand Acumen: Present work where you’ve applied or evolved brand guidelines, demonstrating your ability to maintain consistency and strategic alignment.

• Discuss AI Integration: Be prepared to talk about any experience or interest in using AI tools for design, workflow optimization, or concept generation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Audience: Research Zymo Research's products, mission, and current marketing efforts. Familiarize yourself with their existing visual style and target audience (scientists, researchers).

• Focus on Translation: If given a scientific concept to visualize, focus on clarity, accuracy, and making it accessible without oversimplifying.

• Campaign Thinking: For campaign-related challenges, think about the target audience, the core message, and how visual elements can effectively communicate it across different platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on translating scientific ideas and working with production vendors suggests that interviewers will be looking for practical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage projects from concept to completion, not just purely aesthetic creation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency required in Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, icons), InDesign (layout, print collateral, templates), and Photoshop (image manipulation, digital assets).

• AI Design Tools: Familiarity and willingness to experiment with AI-driven creative tools for workflow enhancement and concept generation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Collaboration & Prototyping:

• Figma: Preferred skill for digital collaboration, prototyping, and potentially working with UX/web teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite as "expert-level" and the "Bonus Points" for Figma and AI tools indicate the core technical requirements and areas for additional strength.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Clarity & Precision: Essential for translating complex scientific information into understandable visuals and ensuring accurate file preparation for vendors.

• Creativity & Innovation: Valued in developing compelling campaign visuals and exploring new technologies like AI design tools.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Crucial for working effectively with marketing, UX, and web development teams to achieve strategic alignment.

• Brand Integrity & Consistency: A core expectation, ensuring all visual output adheres to Zymo Research's established brand identity.

• Strategic Problem-Solving: The role is framed as "strategic visual problem-solving," meaning design is not just about aesthetics but about achieving specific communication goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The designer is expected to work seamlessly with marketing, UX, and web development teams, requiring strong communication and a shared understanding of project objectives.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: An openness to feedback and a professional approach to revisions are highlighted, indicating a culture that values iterative design processes.

• Proactive Contribution: The expectation to "identify gaps and opportunities" and "proactively propose solutions" suggests a culture that encourages initiative and forward-thinking from its team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to blend scientific rigor with creative innovation, emphasizing the strategic role of design in communicating complex ideas and maintaining a strong brand identity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Scientific Complexity: The primary challenge will be to effectively communicate intricate scientific concepts and data through visual mediums to a diverse audience, requiring deep understanding and creative simplification.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Channels: Ensuring a unified brand experience across print, digital, trade shows, and other touchpoints requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Working within established brand guidelines while still delivering fresh and impactful creative solutions.

• Adopting New Technologies: Integrating AI design tools and other emerging technologies into existing workflows efficiently and effectively.

• Managing Vendor Relationships: Successfully coordinating with external vendors, ensuring timely delivery of accurate, production-ready files.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Biotech Design: Gaining specialized knowledge in designing for the life sciences and biotech industries, understanding audience needs and communication nuances.

• Mastery of AI Design Tools: Developing proficiency in cutting-edge AI tools to enhance design processes, speed up ideation, and explore new creative avenues.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working closely with UX designers and web developers to broaden understanding of digital design principles and user-centered approaches.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a strong portfolio with campaign-level work and examples of successful vendor collaborations, valuable for future career advancement.

• Potential for Contract Extension or Full-Time Conversion: Demonstrating excellence in this role could lead to further opportunities within Zymo Research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the unique nature of Zymo Research's industry and the role's responsibilities, offering significant growth potential through specialized learning and practical application.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical or scientific concept into a visually understandable format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving approach, audience consideration, and design rationale.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple design deliverables and collaborate with different teams (e.g., marketing, web development) to achieve this?" (Highlight your understanding of brand governance and cross-functional communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Zymo Research and our mission in the life sciences? How do you see your design skills contributing to our goals?" (Research the company's products, values, and recent news. Connect your skills to their mission.)

• "How do you typically approach receiving and integrating feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders with differing opinions?" (Emphasize professionalism, a desire to understand, and a commitment to iteration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a clear story: the challenge, your creative process, the solution, and the impact. Use visuals as supporting evidence.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the effectiveness of your design work (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity, successful vendor execution).

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that showcase multi-channel campaign work, brand system application, and experience with production vendors.

• Explain Your Role: Be very clear about your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your software usage and any specific technical challenges you overcame in file preparation or execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will likely assess not only creative talent but also strategic thinking, communication skills, adaptability to new technologies, and the ability to operate effectively within a scientific and corporate environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contract Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on app.trinethire.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, emphasizing your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and any experience in biotech, life sciences, or B2B environments. Clearly state your expertise in print and digital multi-channel campaign execution.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that demonstrate your ability to translate complex ideas, execute multi-channel campaigns, apply brand guidelines, and prepare production-ready files for vendors. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., online link).

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design process, your role in specific projects, and the impact of your work during an interview. Prepare specific examples of how you've collaborated with marketing, UX, or development teams.

• Research Zymo Research: Understand their mission, products, and current visual branding. This will help you tailor your application and responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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