Jr Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Jr Graphic Designer
Company: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Marketing & Communications Operations
Date Posted: January 13, 2026
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Breast Oncology Center's academic and scientific initiatives through high-quality visual content creation.
• Develop engaging social media and video content, incorporating animations and infographics to enhance scientific communication.
• Design a comprehensive range of materials, including patient and provider communication, marketing collateral, and conference presentations.
• Contribute to trial recruitment materials and other print and digital assets, ensuring visual consistency and impact.
• Uphold the center's international prominence in breast cancer research and clinical care through exceptional design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Breast Oncology Center, indicating a specialized focus on healthcare communications. The emphasis on scientific accuracy, patient-facing materials, and academic support suggests a need for a designer adept at translating complex information into accessible and visually compelling formats. The "Jr" title implies a foundational to mid-level role, requiring strong technical skills with guidance and mentorship available from senior team members.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a variety of print collateral, including brochures, postcards, and handouts, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and communication objectives.
• Create dynamic digital signage and visual advertisements for various platforms, optimizing for engagement and clarity.
• Develop digital illustrations and infographics that effectively communicate complex data and research findings for both internal and external audiences.
• Design visually appealing and user-friendly email and e-newsletter templates to facilitate effective communication with patients, providers, and stakeholders.
• Create compelling digital graphics and infographics for web content, social media, and other digital platforms.
• Develop dynamic PowerPoint presentations that enhance scientific discourse and conference presentations, incorporating advanced visual elements.
• Design and update web pages, sections, and landing pages to improve user experience and information accessibility.
• Produce dynamic, social media-friendly content such as animations and short-form videos to increase reach and engagement.
• Design posters, slides, and advertising materials for scientific conferences, ensuring high impact and professional presentation.
• Create graphic designs for plain language research summaries and clinical trial recruitment materials to broaden understanding and participation.
• Develop graphic designs for patient and provider forum discussions, fostering community and knowledge exchange.

📝 Enhancement Note: The breadth of responsibilities highlights the need for a versatile designer. The explicit mention of "dynamic PowerPoint presentations," "social media friendly content such as animations and short-form video," and "digital illustrations and infographics" points to a requirement for skills beyond traditional print design, including motion graphics and advanced digital content creation. The focus on "plain language research summaries" and "clinical trial recruitment materials" suggests a critical role in patient education and engagement, demanding sensitivity and clarity in design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a focus on graphic design is required.

Experience:

• 1-3 years of professional graphic design experience is required.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated excellent understanding and application of core design principles.
• Strong typography skills for clear and impactful visual communication.
• High proficiency in key Adobe Creative Suite products: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.
• Fluency in Mac-based operating systems.
• High fluency in digital design, including web page and e-newsletter design.
• Solid pre-press knowledge for print production readiness.
• Foundational understanding of HTML/CSS for web-related design tasks.
• Excellent communication, presentation, project management, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of web-authoring software such as Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, or HTML.
• Knowledge of photography principles and application.
• Knowledge of video production and editing tools (Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for After Effects and "social media friendly content such as animations and short-form video" strongly indicates a need for motion graphics and video editing skills, which are often developed with 2-3 years of hands-on experience. The "1-3 years of experience" combined with the advanced toolset suggests a candidate who is beyond entry-level and capable of independent work on specified projects, with potential for growth into more complex creative direction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on digital assets and scientific/medical communications.
• Demonstrations of your ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible, and visually engaging graphics, infographics, and animations.
• Examples of projects that highlight your understanding of typography, layout, and color theory across various media.
• Evidence of experience in designing for web, social media, and presentation formats, showcasing adaptability and proficiency with digital platforms.
• Case studies or project descriptions that detail your design process, from concept development and iteration to final execution and impact.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including:
  • Workflow management for handling multiple projects with competing deadlines.
  • Strategies for incorporating feedback from stakeholders (faculty, fellows, managers) effectively.
  • Methods for ensuring brand consistency and adherence to style guides across all created assets.
  • Approaches to problem-solving creative challenges and finding innovative visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on scientific and medical content, a portfolio that explicitly includes examples of data visualization, infographics for research findings, and patient education materials will be highly advantageous. The ability to demonstrate a structured design process, especially in a hybrid or remote setting (as indicated by the role), will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,500.00 - $73,500.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions (e.g., 401(k) or similar).
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops, training, and conference attendance.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility with 2-3 days per week remote.
• Access to Dana-Farber's renowned research and clinical environment, fostering a unique and inspiring work experience.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.
• The hybrid arrangement allows for 2-3 days of remote work per week, with the expectation of in-office presence for collaborative activities and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary range of $65,500 - $73,500 for a Jr. Graphic Designer with 1-3 years of experience in Boston, MA, is competitive and aligns with industry benchmarks for this role in a high cost-of-living metropolitan area, particularly within a prestigious healthcare and research institution. The hybrid component adds significant value to the overall compensation package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare, Cancer Research, and Patient Care. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a globally recognized leader dedicated to conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases through groundbreaking research, advanced treatment, and compassionate patient care.

Company Size: Dana-Farber is a large, established institution with a significant number of employees, fostering a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and a broad network of expertise. This size implies a structured environment with clear hierarchies and established processes, but also opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration.

Founded: Dana-Farber was founded in 1947, signifying a long history of innovation and commitment to its mission. This legacy contributes to a culture of dedication, continuous improvement, and a deep-seated commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing scientific knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will report to the Senior Program Manager and Senior Graphic Designer within the Breast Oncology Center.
• This structure suggests a supportive team environment with direct mentorship from experienced design and program management professionals.
• Collaboration is expected with medical oncology faculty and fellows, indicating a need for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clinicians and researchers.

Methodology:

• The department emphasizes creating visual content of the highest quality, reflecting the center’s prominent international position.
• A data-driven approach is implied through the need to effectively communicate research findings and clinical trial information.
• Workflow optimization is crucial for balancing diverse design requests from faculty and fellows.

Company Website: https://dana-farber.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a specialized center like the Breast Oncology Center at Dana-Farber means the role is deeply embedded in a mission-driven environment. The culture likely values precision, scientific integrity, and a collaborative spirit, essential for translating complex medical information into accessible visuals. The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern workplace that balances in-person collaboration with individual focus time.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior Graphic Designer role, typically considered an entry-to-mid-level position within the design and communications field. It requires foundational skills and a willingness to learn and grow under senior guidance. The role is specialized within a healthcare and research context, offering unique career development opportunities.

Reporting Structure: The designer reports to a Senior Program Manager and a Senior Graphic Designer. This dual reporting structure can offer diverse mentorship opportunities, with one focusing on project management and strategic alignment, and the other on design craft and technical execution. This is a common structure for junior roles in creative departments.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of revenue or sales operations, this position has a significant impact on how the Breast Oncology Center communicates its research, clinical services, and academic work. High-quality visual content can enhance patient understanding, support grant proposals, elevate conference presentations, and ultimately contribute to the center's reputation and ability to attract talent and funding. The "operations" aspect here lies in the efficient and effective production of communication materials that support the center's core mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like medical illustration, data visualization, animation for scientific communication, and video editing for academic purposes.
• Career Advancement: Potential to progress to a Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or even a Creative Lead role within Dana-Farber or other healthcare/research institutions.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in a world-renowned cancer research institute provides invaluable exposure to cutting-edge science and healthcare communication trends.
• Project Leadership: As experience grows, taking on more complex projects and potentially leading design efforts for specific initiatives or campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Jr." designation and the 1-3 year experience requirement clearly place this role at the early-to-mid stage of a graphic design career. The growth path is strongly tied to developing specialized skills within the healthcare and research domain, which can be highly rewarding and create a niche expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute operates as a leading medical research and treatment center. The work environment is likely professional, collaborative, and fast-paced, particularly within the Breast Oncology Center. The hybrid model indicates a modern approach to work-life balance.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is at 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215. This is a central location within the Longwood Medical Area, a hub for healthcare and research institutions, offering excellent access to public transportation and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model suggests a balance between focused individual work (likely done remotely) and collaborative sessions, team meetings, and brainstorming (likely in-office). The office space is expected to support creative work and team interaction.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other creative tools will be provided. The role requires proficiency in Mac-based systems.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with faculty, fellows, senior designers, and program managers will be frequent, fostering a supportive learning and working atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard full-time work schedule is expected, with the flexibility of a hybrid arrangement (2-3 days remote). This schedule accommodates the need for focused design work and creative process while maintaining essential in-person collaboration and team engagement. The remote days are restricted to New England states.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid aspect is a key feature, requiring candidates to be comfortable with both independent remote work and in-office collaboration. The location in Boston's Longwood Medical Area places the designer at the heart of a vibrant research community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.
• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth discussion of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on design process, problem-solving, and specific project examples. This may include a design challenge or a presentation of selected portfolio pieces.
• Interviews with Hiring Team: Meetings with the Senior Program Manager and Senior Graphic Designer to evaluate communication skills, cultural fit, understanding of the role, and ability to work within a healthcare/research environment.
• Potential Final Interview: Depending on the structure, a meeting with other key stakeholders or department leads.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the skills required for this role (digital design, infographics, animations, scientific/medical focus if possible).
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process (ideation, iteration, challenges), and the final outcome/impact.
• Highlight Relevant Skills: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of digital design, typography, and ideally, animation or video snippets using After Effects. If you have any healthcare or scientific communication examples, prioritize those.
• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to articulate your design choices, defend your creative decisions, and discuss how you handle feedback and revisions.
• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Mac-based systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• A design challenge might involve creating a simple infographic, a social media graphic, or a slide for a presentation based on provided information.
• Focus on clear communication, strong visual hierarchy, and efficient execution within a given timeframe.
• Practice presenting your work concisely, explaining your rationale, and demonstrating your understanding of the brief.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on After Effects and video/animation suggests that portfolio pieces demonstrating these skills will be highly regarded. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they translate complex scientific information into visually digestible formats.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator (essential for all print and digital collateral).
• Adobe After Effects: Crucial for creating animations and dynamic video content for social media and presentations.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Particularly PowerPoint for creating dynamic presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, an understanding of how digital assets perform (e.g., social media engagement) may be beneficial. Basic web analytics tools knowledge could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how marketing materials are distributed or how patient communications are managed might be helpful context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in After Effects is specifically highlighted as a key tool for this role, differentiating it from a purely print-focused graphic design position. The requirement for Mac-based systems is also a critical technical specification.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Mission: A deep commitment to supporting Dana-Farber's mission of conquering cancer through high-quality, impactful visual communication.
• Collaboration and Support: A culture of teamwork where designers work closely with faculty, fellows, and senior staff, fostering a supportive and educational environment.
• Precision and Accuracy: An emphasis on meticulous design and accurate representation of scientific and medical information.
• Innovation: Encouragement to explore new visual techniques, including animation and video, to enhance communication effectiveness.
• Inclusivity and Compassion: Reflecting Dana-Farber's commitment to serving diverse patient populations through sensitive and accessible design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively collaborating with medical professionals, researchers, and program managers to understand project needs and translate them into effective visual assets.
• Feedback and Iteration: A willingness to receive and incorporate constructive feedback from multiple stakeholders, iterating on designs to achieve optimal results.
• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in team discussions, sharing design insights, and learning from colleagues and mentors within the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values likely align with those of a leading research institution: dedication, scientific integrity, a patient-centric approach, and a collaborative spirit. The designer will be an integral part of a team focused on advancing cancer research and care.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Science: The primary challenge will be effectively visualizing and communicating complex scientific and medical information to diverse audiences (patients, researchers, general public) in an accessible and engaging manner.
• Balancing Multiple Stakeholders: Juggling design requests from various faculty members and fellows, each with potentially different needs and aesthetic preferences, while maintaining brand consistency.
• Rapidly Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying current with the latest design trends, social media formats, and animation techniques to ensure content remains fresh and impactful.
• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Effectively collaborating and maintaining strong communication with team members and stakeholders in both remote and in-office settings.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or pursue certifications in medical illustration, data visualization, or advanced animation techniques.
• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend relevant creative or healthcare communication conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network.
• Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior designers and program managers within a leading cancer research institute.
• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Research: Working with materials related to groundbreaking cancer research offers unparalleled learning opportunities about the field itself.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of simplifying complex scientific information is a hallmark of design roles in healthcare/research. Growth opportunities are heavily tied to developing specialized skills that are in high demand within this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex scientific concept and making it visually understandable for a non-expert audience." (Focus on your infographic/data visualization process.)
• "Walk us through a project where you had to incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders with differing opinions. How did you manage the revisions?" (Highlight your project management and communication skills.)
• "What are your favorite design tools, and why? Specifically, how have you used After Effects in your previous roles?" (Demonstrate technical proficiency and enthusiasm for animation.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and software advancements, particularly in digital and animation?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.)
• "Describe a time you had to create visual content for a sensitive topic. How did you approach it?" (Assess your sensitivity and understanding of patient communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and specifically the Breast Oncology Center?" (Research their mission, recent breakthroughs, and values.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to the center's mission of conquering cancer?" (Connect your design skills to their overarching goals.)
• "How do you approach collaboration in a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss your strategies for effective remote and in-office teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the problem, your solution, your process, and the outcome. Use visuals to support your narrative.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how specific projects demonstrate your proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and especially After Effects.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have any metrics on engagement, reach, or positive feedback related to your designs, include them.
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Discuss your workflow, file management, and understanding of print vs. digital production.
• Showcase Adaptability: Emphasize projects that show your ability to adapt to different styles and requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of the healthcare/research environment and how their design work supports scientific communication and patient engagement. Demonstrating comfort with the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects, will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Jr. Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your online portfolio or PDF submission to highlight projects that best align with the job description's requirements, focusing on digital design, infographics, animations, and any relevant healthcare or scientific communication examples.
• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize your 1-3 years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), and any experience with web design, video editing, or scientific/medical content. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio projects, and answering behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and working in a mission-driven environment. Be ready to discuss your experience with hybrid work.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's mission, values, and recent work, especially within the Breast Oncology Center, to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during interviews.

⚠️ 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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