Junior UX/UI designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior UX/UI Designer Company: MSD Location: Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands Job Type: FULL_TIME, TEMPORARY (Project Temps) Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations Date Posted: February 11, 2026 Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating consistent and visually appealing marketing materials and digital interfaces, translating visual design into impactful experiences for healthcare professionals and patients.
• The Junior UX/UI Designer will contribute to the design and development of digital platforms and marketing collateral, ensuring adherence to brand and style guides while optimizing user experience.
• Key responsibilities include designing online and offline marketing assets, translating wireframes into pixel-perfect web pages, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance visual impact and conversion rates.
• The position offers an opportunity to gain experience in user research, process feedback integration, and the application of GenAI in the design workflow within a global pharmaceutical company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified as "Project Temps (Fixed Term)" and is hybrid, indicating a project-based need with a blend of on-site and remote work. The "Junior" experience level (0-2 years) suggests a focus on foundational design skills and learning within a structured environment. The company's industry (pharmaceuticals/healthcare) implies a need for sensitivity to regulatory guidelines and a focus on clear, professional communication.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop a wide range of online and offline marketing materials, including social media ads, banners, email templates, landing pages, presentations, brochures, flyers, and exhibition materials.
• Ensure strict adherence to brand guidelines, including tone of voice, typography, color palettes, and imagery, across all digital flows, web pages, and marketing campaigns.
• Translate wireframes and user flow diagrams into visually precise, pixel-perfect web pages and digital interfaces.
• Collaborate closely with UX designers, marketers, and product owners to elevate the visual appeal and conversion power of digital assets and campaigns.
• Support user testing initiatives, effectively process visual feedback from stakeholders and end-users, and contribute to the maintenance and updating of design style guides.
• Explore and integrate innovative design approaches, including the use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools within the design process to enhance creativity and efficiency.
• Uphold and apply knowledge of user experience (UX) principles, responsive design techniques, and web accessibility standards in all design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on visual design execution and brand consistency within a marketing context. The inclusion of "pixel-perfect," "brand guidelines," and specific marketing asset types indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail and a production-oriented mindset. The collaboration aspect points to strong interpersonal and communication skills being crucial for success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A completed higher vocational education (HBO) degree in a relevant field such as Graphic Design, UX/UI Design, Digital Media, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• 1-2 years of hands-on experience in UX and visual design, with a proven track record demonstrated through a strong portfolio.

Required Skills:

• Visual Design: Exceptional ability to create aesthetically pleasing and brand-aligned visual assets.
• UX/UI Design: Solid understanding of user-centered design principles and their application in creating intuitive interfaces.
• Design Tools Proficiency: Mastery of industry-standard design software, specifically Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Brand Guideline Implementation: Proven ability to interpret and consistently apply brand identity elements, including typography, color, and imagery, across various design outputs.
• Wireframing to Pixel-Perfect Execution: Skill in translating conceptual wireframes into detailed, high-fidelity designs that meet production standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with marketing teams, UX designers, and product owners to achieve shared project goals.
• Responsive Design: Knowledge and application of principles for creating designs that adapt seamlessly across different devices and screen sizes.
• Web Accessibility: Understanding of WCAG guidelines and best practices for designing accessible digital products.
• Detail Orientation: A keen eye for detail, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and polish in all design work.
• Proactive Collaboration: A proactive and collaborative approach to working with internal clients and team members.
• Dutch and English Fluency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Dutch and English.

Preferred Skills:

• GenAI in Design: Experience and a broad interest in utilizing Generative AI tools within the design process.
• Microcopy: Understanding of how microcopy influences user experience and ability to craft concise, effective text.
• Motion Design: Familiarity with principles and tools for creating animated interfaces or graphics.
• Illustration: Basic to intermediate illustration skills for creating custom graphics or icons.
• User Testing Support: Experience assisting with or observing user testing sessions and incorporating feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of foundational design skills, technical tool proficiency, and soft skills essential for a junior role within a corporate marketing team. The explicit mention of GenAI indicates a forward-looking approach to design technology. The preference for microcopy, motion design, and illustration suggests areas where a candidate could further differentiate themselves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Web Design Case Studies: Showcase examples of website designs, landing pages, or digital interfaces you have created, highlighting your visual design skills and understanding of user flow.
• Social Media & Digital Marketing Assets: Include examples of social media ads, banners, email templates, or other digital marketing collateral that demonstrate your ability to create engaging and brand-consistent content.
• Brand Guideline Application: Present projects where you successfully applied existing brand guidelines, demonstrating your attention to detail and ability to maintain visual consistency.
• Process Documentation (Optional but Recommended): Briefly outline your design process for 1-2 key projects, explaining your approach from concept to final delivery, including how you incorporated feedback or research.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly required as a separate deliverable, candidates are expected to articulate their design process during interviews and potentially in their portfolio. This includes demonstrating how they:
  • Interpret project briefs and brand requirements.
  • Develop design concepts and iterate based on feedback.
  • Ensure pixel-perfect execution and adherence to style guides.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior UX/UI Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of skills. The emphasis is on visual execution and brand adherence, with a secondary focus on understanding and articulating the design process. The inclusion of GenAI experience in the portfolio is a plus.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on Dutch market standards for a Junior UX/UI Designer (0-2 years experience) in the Haarlem region, with a high cost of living and within a large multinational pharmaceutical company, a competitive gross annual salary would likely range from €35,000 to €48,000. This range is an estimate and will depend on the candidate's specific skills, experience, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A salary commensurate with your knowledge and experience.
• Financial Incentives:
  • 3% year-end bonus.
  • Annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Time Off: A generous minimum of 35.5 vacation days per year.
• Commuting: Travel expense reimbursement.
• Retirement: A solid pension plan.
• On-site Amenities:
  • Excellent company restaurant.
  • Professional barista services.
  • On-site sports facilities.
• Well-being Support:
  • Mental well-being support for you and your family members via Lyra Health.
  • Access to a separate prayer/meditation room.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are assumed to be 40 hours per week, with the flexibility offered by a hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for junior design roles in the Netherlands, adjusted for the specified location and industry. The benefits package is comprehensive and includes typical large corporate offerings, with a notable focus on employee well-being and work-life balance initiatives. The "Project Temps" classification might influence the exact benefits structure compared to permanent roles, but the listed benefits are commonly provided.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical / Healthcare. MSD is a global leader in developing innovative medicines and vaccines, dedicated to improving global health. This context implies a culture that values scientific rigor, ethical practices, patient focus, and a commitment to innovation. Company Size: MSD is a large, multinational corporation, typically employing tens of thousands of people globally. This scale suggests structured processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths. Founded: MSD (Merck & Co., Inc. in the US and Canada) was founded in 1891. This long history indicates stability, established practices, and a deep-rooted presence in the industry.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Team: The Junior UX/UI Designer will be part of a marketing team located in Haarlem. This team likely comprises various specialists, including marketers, product owners, and potentially other designers.
• Reporting Structure: The role reports to a manager within the marketing department, likely a Marketing Manager or a Head of Digital Marketing. Collaboration will extend to UX designers and product owners.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect regular interaction with UX designers for user flow and research insights, marketers for campaign objectives and brand consistency, and product owners for project requirements and digital platform development.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While the role is junior, there's an expectation to translate research and user feedback into design decisions. Designs should aim to enhance visual impact and conversion rates, suggesting a focus on measurable outcomes.
• Agile/Iterative Processes: Marketing and digital development often involve iterative processes. Designs will likely be reviewed and refined based on feedback from various stakeholders and user testing.
• Brand Consistency: A core operational methodology will be maintaining strict adherence to global brand guidelines across all marketing materials and digital touchpoints.

Company Website: https://www.msd.com/ (Global) or specific regional sites like https://www.msd.nl/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding MSD's scale and industry is crucial. The "Project Temps" status might mean integration into a specific project team rather than the broader marketing department, but the core collaborative and brand-focused methodologies are likely consistent. The emphasis on "visual impact and conversion" points to a results-oriented approach within the marketing function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior (0-2 years experience). This level is characterized by learning foundational skills, executing defined tasks under supervision, and contributing to team projects. The focus is on skill development and understanding operational workflows. Reporting Structure: The role reports to a manager within the marketing team, with close collaboration with UX designers and product owners. This structure provides ample opportunities for mentorship and learning from experienced professionals in design and marketing. Operations Impact: As a Junior UX/UI Designer, the direct impact is on the visual quality and user-friendliness of marketing materials and digital platforms. This contributes to brand perception, user engagement, and ultimately, the effectiveness of marketing campaigns in reaching and influencing healthcare professionals and patients. The role supports GTM (Go-To-Market) strategies by ensuring attractive and functional campaign assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in visual design, UX principles, responsive design, and potentially explore preferred skills like motion design, illustration, or microcopy.
• Tool Proficiency: Become highly proficient in industry-standard tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, and gain experience with emerging technologies like GenAI in design.
• Industry Knowledge: Develop a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, its regulatory landscape, and the specific communication needs of healthcare professionals and patients.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain valuable experience collaborating with diverse teams, understanding their perspectives, and contributing to integrated marketing efforts.
• Potential for Full-Time Conversion: While initially a project-based role, successful performance could lead to opportunities for full-time employment within MSD, depending on business needs and candidate performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, growth is primarily focused on skill acquisition and gaining practical experience. The "Project Temps" nature means growth is tied to project success and demonstrating potential. The company's size offers potential for a long-term career path if opportunities arise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a mix of working remotely and from the MSD office in Haarlem. The on-site component likely involves collaborative work, team meetings, and access to office-specific resources. Office Location(s): Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands. This location is specified for the role. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and cross-functional nature of the role necessitate a collaborative workspace, both virtually and in the office. Expect opportunities for brainstorming, design reviews, and team discussions.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) will be provided or expected. The company's IT infrastructure will support hybrid work, likely including collaboration platforms and secure remote access.
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with designers, marketers, and product owners will be key, facilitated through scheduled meetings, informal check-ins, and project-specific communication channels.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement, offering flexibility in how and where work is performed, balanced with on-site requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration and access to company resources. The specifics of the hybrid model (e.g., number of days in office) would typically be clarified during the interview process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the company's culture and the role's requirements.
• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: This is a critical stage. Expect to present your portfolio, discussing your design process, rationale behind your design choices, and how you've applied UX/UI principles and visual design skills. This may involve a practical design exercise or case study.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, problem-solving skills, collaboration style, and understanding of the role's responsibilities and the company's context.
• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Potentially meet with other team members (e.g., UX designers, marketers) to assess cultural fit and collaboration potential.
• Final Offer: If successful, an offer will be extended, outlining terms, conditions, and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your visual design skills, ability to adhere to brand guidelines, and experience with digital marketing assets and web design.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process (ideation, wireframing, execution), the tools you used, and the outcome or impact. Highlight how you incorporated feedback or user insights.
• Emphasize Visuals: Ensure high-quality mockups and clear screenshots. If possible, include interactive prototypes or links to live examples.
• Highlight Brand Consistency: Showcase projects where you've successfully applied brand guidelines, explaining your choices.
• Address GenAI (if applicable): If you've used GenAI, be prepared to discuss your experience, the tools used, and the benefits or challenges encountered.
• Be Concise and Clear: Practice presenting your portfolio within a set time limit. Focus on key takeaways and be ready to answer specific questions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which might involve creating a small asset (e.g., a social media ad, an email banner) based on a brief, or critiquing an existing design. Demonstrate your process and rationale.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific design challenges, collaborate with stakeholders, or manage feedback.
• Company Research: Understand MSD's mission, values, and recent marketing campaigns. Consider how your design approach aligns with their brand and healthcare focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this role. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing it and practicing their presentation. The emphasis on "pixel-perfect," "brand guidelines," and "visual impact" means the portfolio should reflect meticulous execution and brand alignment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect to use it for wireframing, high-fidelity mockups, and creating design systems.
• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating detailed visual assets.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, icons, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of brochures, presentations, and print materials.
• Generative AI Tools: Experience or willingness to learn and utilize GenAI tools (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, or AI features within Adobe products) for concept generation, asset creation, or workflow enhancement.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility for this junior role, an understanding of how designs impact metrics is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) and reporting dashboards may be helpful for understanding user behavior and campaign performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): Awareness of how marketing materials integrate with CRM systems for lead generation and campaign tracking is a plus.
• Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot): Familiarity with platforms used for email marketing and campaign execution, understanding design constraints and best practices for these environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The inclusion of GenAI tools indicates the company's interest in modern design workflows. While direct analytics or CRM experience isn't required, understanding how designs contribute to broader marketing goals is advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient Centricity: A strong underlying value, ensuring that all communication and design efforts ultimately serve the well-being and needs of patients.
• Innovation: A commitment to developing new therapies and approaches, which extends to embracing new design tools and methodologies like GenAI.
• Integrity & Ethics: Operating within a highly regulated industry, honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct are paramount in all communications and designs.
• Collaboration: A culture that fosters teamwork and cross-functional cooperation to achieve shared goals.
• Excellence: Striving for high quality in all aspects of work, from scientific research to marketing execution and design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with diverse teams, requiring clear communication and an ability to translate design concepts for non-designers.
• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback as a means to improve designs and project outcomes. Openness to receiving and giving feedback is key.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share insights, best practices, and learnings, particularly regarding new design tools and techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly patient centricity and integrity, will influence design decisions. The collaborative style is essential for a hybrid, project-based role within a large organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Regulation: Designing effective marketing materials within the strict regulatory framework of the pharmaceutical industry can be challenging.
• Adhering to Global Brand Standards: Maintaining consistency across diverse projects while adapting to local market needs requires careful attention to detail and brand governance.
• Integrating New Technologies: Effectively incorporating emerging technologies like GenAI into established design workflows requires experimentation and adaptation.
• Managing Stakeholder Feedback: Navigating feedback from multiple stakeholders with potentially differing opinions requires strong communication and diplomacy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to refine visual design, UX/UI, and potentially explore specialized areas like motion graphics or illustration under experienced mentors.
• Industry-Specific Design: Gain in-depth knowledge of design challenges and best practices within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
• Tool Mastery: Become an expert in leading design software and gain practical experience with cutting-edge AI design tools.
• Professional Networking: Build connections within a large global organization, opening doors for future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a junior role in a regulated industry, offering significant learning opportunities. The growth potential is strong due to the company's size and commitment to innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Rationale: "Walk me through a project in your portfolio. What was the objective, what was your process, and why did you make specific design choices?" Be prepared to discuss how you translated wireframes to pixel-perfect designs and applied brand guidelines.
• Collaboration & Feedback: "Describe a time you received challenging feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" Focus on your ability to listen, adapt, and maintain professional relationships.
• Problem-Solving: "If a marketing campaign needs a visually engaging social ad but has strict messaging constraints, how would you approach the design?" Think about creative solutions within limitations.

Company & Culture Questions:

• MSD's Mission: "What do you know about MSD's work in healthcare, and how do you think your design skills can contribute to our mission?" Show you've researched the company and understand its purpose.
• Teamwork: "How do you prefer to collaborate with team members and stakeholders?" Align your answer with the collaborative nature of the role.
• Impact Measurement: "How would you ensure your designs contribute to marketing campaign effectiveness?" Connect your design work to business objectives like engagement or conversion.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best demonstrate visual design, brand adherence, and digital marketing asset creation. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: problem, solution (your design), process, and outcome/impact.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure all visuals are high-resolution and presented clearly. Use annotations to highlight specific design elements or decisions.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present each project in 3-5 minutes. Focus on the most impactful aspects.
• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the tools you used (Figma, Adobe Suite, GenAI) and why.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily scrutinize your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design decisions and process. Be prepared to demonstrate not just creativity, but also a structured, brand-aware, and user-focused approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official MSD careers website via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to specifically highlight projects involving digital marketing assets (social ads, banners, email templates), web design, and adherence to brand guidelines. Showcase examples where you translated wireframes into polished designs.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your 1-2 years of relevant experience, proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with GenAI or UX principles. Use keywords from the job description like "Visual Design," "UX/UI," "Marketing Materials," and "Brand Guidelines."
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, rationale, and how your work contributes to marketing objectives. Prepare to discuss your experience with hybrid work and cross-functional collaboration.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with MSD's mission, values, and their recent marketing efforts in the pharmaceutical/healthcare sector. Consider how your design aesthetic and approach align with their corporate identity and patient-centric focus.

⚠️ 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.