Scientific graphic designer - USA

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Scientific Graphic Designer

Company: Amiculum

Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA (Remote/Hybrid Options Available)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Science & Research

Date Posted: November 28, 2025

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for translating complex scientific and global health information into clear, accurate, and visually compelling materials for leading scientific and healthcare organizations.

• The Scientific Graphic Designer will be responsible for adhering to strict branding guidelines and regulatory standards, ensuring all visual outputs are compliant and of the highest quality.

• A key aspect of this position involves meticulous quality control (QC) of design assets, contributing to the overall accuracy and elevated output of the design team.

• Success in this role hinges on efficient project management, effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, and a proactive approach to process improvement and template development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Scientific Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into a specialized area of operations within a scientific communications or medical affairs context. The emphasis on accuracy, compliance, QC, and process improvement aligns with operational excellence principles, making this role a strong fit for professionals with an operations mindset, particularly in GTM or support functions that interface with creative output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and meticulously format scientific posters, figures, charts, graphs, and tables for use in congress presentations, manuscripts, and other scientific publications.

• Diligently apply client branding guidelines and ensure strict adherence to relevant industry regulations and publication standards, maintaining brand integrity and compliance.

• Conduct thorough Quality Control (QC) reviews of layouts and figures created by other team members, verifying scientific accuracy, visual consistency, and adherence to all project specifications.

• Collaborate closely with medical writers, project managers, and other stakeholders to confirm scientific integrity, understand complex data, and meet specific layout requirements for each deliverable.

• Maintain rigorous version control and meticulously organize digital assets and project files for multiple concurrent projects, often under tight deadlines, ensuring efficient workflow and retrieval.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of design templates, workflows, and best practices to enhance the efficiency, quality, and error-free delivery of scientific materials.

• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvements within the design workflow to boost overall team productivity and output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and rigorous operational processes. The emphasis on QC, compliance, version control, and workflow optimization is characteristic of roles within a structured operations environment, particularly in regulated industries where precision and accuracy are paramount to GTM success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 2–3 years of dedicated experience in layout design specifically for scientific or technical content.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on efficient and expert-level use of Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator for complex layout and vector graphics.

• Strong command of Microsoft PowerPoint for presentation design and data visualization.

• Solid understanding of scientific data presentation principles, including the effective design of charts, graphs, and tables to convey complex information clearly.

• Exceptional attention to detail, with a proven ability to maintain accuracy and consistency across multiple deliverables.

• Superior organizational and project management skills, with the capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects and adhere to strict deadlines.

• Experience conducting thorough Quality Control (QC) reviews of design assets.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in medical communications agencies or in-house medical affairs departments.

• Familiarity with other design or collaboration tools that support remote team environments.

• Basic understanding of data visualization best practices and principles for storytelling with data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific scientific poster experience and the emphasis on QC are critical differentiators for this role. The "2-5" AI-derived experience level is consistent with the "2-3 years" stated requirement, suggesting a mid-level designer with potential for growth. The inclusion of "Quality Control" and "Organizational Skills" as required skills strongly suggests an operations-centric approach to design execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that prominently features a significant number of scientific posters, demonstrating mastery of scientific data visualization and layout within a structured format.

• Case studies or examples that highlight your process for translating complex scientific data (e.g., research findings, clinical trial results) into clear, accurate, and visually appealing graphics.

• Evidence of applying client branding guidelines and adhering to specific publication or congress standards within your design work.

• Examples showcasing your attention to detail and quality control capabilities, perhaps through before-and-after comparisons or explanations of your QC process.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly requested for submission, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, including:

  • Workflow design for managing multiple projects and deadlines efficiently.

  • Methods for ensuring scientific accuracy and compliance with client briefs and regulatory guidelines.

  • Strategies for conducting and implementing quality control checks on design work.

  • Approaches to collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., medical writers, project managers) to achieve project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing accuracy, compliance, and QC, a portfolio is not just a showcase of aesthetic skill but also a demonstration of process adherence and operational discipline. The emphasis on scientific posters and the detailed breakdown of what to include in a portfolio are crucial for candidates to understand the specific expectations beyond general graphic design capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the AI-derived experience level (2-5 years) and the specified location (Chicago, USA), a competitive salary range for a Scientific Graphic Designer would typically fall between $60,000 - $85,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Remote and hybrid working options as standard, offering flexibility.

• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities, supporting skill enhancement.

• Two annual bonus schemes, providing additional financial rewards based on company and individual performance.

• 25 days’ vacation allowance, plus 9 public holidays, ensuring ample time for rest and personal pursuits.

Working Hours:

• The role is advertised as Full-Time, with an estimated 40 hours per week.

• Given the remote and hybrid options, there is an expectation of flexibility in scheduling, while ensuring consistent availability for collaboration and timely project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for specialized graphic design roles in major US metropolitan areas, considering the experience level and the specific demand for scientific content expertise. The provided benefits are comprehensive and align with modern employment expectations, particularly for a company offering remote/hybrid flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a global Design team.

• Designers will likely collaborate closely with medical writers, project managers, and commercial teams, indicating a cross-functional structure where design is integrated into broader project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: While not directly a design task, understanding how data is presented and interpreted is crucial. Designers will need to interpret scientific data accurately.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role actively contributes to workflow improvements, suggesting a culture that values efficiency and continuous process enhancement.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: The need for efficient template creation and adherence to best practices points towards an appreciation for streamlined processes, even within creative functions.

Company Website:

• https://amiculum.biz/

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating in the scientific and healthcare communication space requires a specific operational mindset focused on precision, compliance, and clarity. The company's structure as an agency means designers will be exposed to diverse clients and projects, requiring adaptability and robust project management skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

• The Scientific Graphic Designer's impact is directly tied to the clarity and accuracy of scientific communication. High-quality visuals are essential for:
  • Client Perception: Demonstrating Amiculum's professionalism and attention to detail.
  • Scientific Dissemination: Ensuring complex research is understood by target audiences (e.g., medical professionals, researchers).
  • Regulatory Compliance: Helping clients meet stringent requirements for publications and presentations.
  • Project Success: Contributing to the timely and accurate delivery of client projects, which directly affects revenue and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of scientific visualization (e.g., data visualization for clinical trials, complex molecular diagrams).

• Process Improvement Leadership: Take on more responsibility for developing and implementing design workflows, templates, and QC standards.

• Senior Designer/Team Lead: Progress to a senior role with increased project complexity, client interaction, and potential team mentorship or leadership.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to medical writing, project management, or strategic communications within the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear career trajectory within a specialized agency. The "operations" aspect comes from the structured approach required for scientific communication, focusing on process, quality, and efficiency in delivering critical client materials. The growth opportunities lean into both design specialization and operational process ownership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• Amiculum offers Remote and Hybrid working options as standard. This indicates a modern, flexible work environment that trusts employees to manage their time and workspace effectively.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite remote/hybrid options, collaboration is emphasized. Designers will need to actively engage with writers, project managers, and other designers, likely utilizing digital collaboration tools.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to and proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office suite are fundamental. The company likely supports these tools and may provide access to project management software and digital asset management systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction will occur through scheduled virtual meetings, project-specific calls, and potentially in-person meetups for hybrid or on-site staff. The emphasis on QC and team output suggests a culture of shared responsibility and mutual support.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected.

• The remote/hybrid nature allows for flexibility in structuring the workday, provided that core working hours for collaboration and responsiveness are maintained. This flexibility is beneficial for individuals who thrive on focused work sessions and efficient task management, aligning with operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on remote/hybrid work and cross-functional collaboration points to a digitally-enabled workplace. The operational efficiency of the team will heavily rely on effective use of communication and project management tools, and the designer's ability to integrate into these digital workflows.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submission of CV, covering letter, and importantly, a portfolio demonstrating scientific poster experience.

• Screening: Review of application materials to assess alignment with requirements, particularly the scientific poster portfolio.

• Skills Assessment: Candidates will likely undergo a practical assessment directly related to designing a scientific poster or a similar scientific graphic. This is a critical component to evaluate skills on a key deliverable.

• Interviews:

  • Interviews with hiring managers and/or senior design team members to discuss experience, approach to design, and understanding of scientific communication.
  • Discussions will likely focus on the candidate's process, QC methodologies, collaboration style, and ability to manage deadlines.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Scientific Posters: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest scientific poster designs. For each, briefly describe the project's objective, the data you visualized, and the challenges you overcame.

• Showcase Process: For a few key projects, consider including a brief explanation or visual representation of your design process, from brief to final output, including any QC steps.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: While not explicitly stated, be prepared to discuss your advanced use of InDesign and Illustrator. If possible, include examples that showcase complex layouts or intricate graphics.

• Address Compliance and Accuracy: If possible, highlight examples where you had to strictly adhere to branding guidelines or ensure scientific accuracy. Mention your QC process and how you ensure error-free deliverables.

• Tailor to Amiculum: Research Amiculum's work and clients. If possible, tailor your portfolio selection to reflect similar types of projects or scientific areas.

Challenge Preparation:

• Master Scientific Poster Design: Practice creating a scientific poster from raw data or a complex brief. Focus on clear hierarchy, effective data visualization, and adherence to typical congress formatting.

• Data Interpretation: Be prepared to interpret and visualize different types of scientific data (e.g., statistical results, experimental outcomes).

• Software Proficiency: Ensure you are highly efficient in InDesign and Illustrator for rapid design and revisions.

• QC Mindset: Think about how you would approach QC for a scientific poster. What are the critical elements to check for accuracy, consistency, and compliance?

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a skills assessment on a scientific poster deliverable is a significant detail. This means the portfolio review and any practical test will heavily weight this specific skill, underscoring its operational importance in ensuring the quality of Amiculum's output.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: The primary tool for layout design, essential for scientific posters, manuscripts, and presentations. Advanced efficiency is a must.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for creating custom graphics, charts, icons, and complex illustrations. Proficiency in vector graphics is key.
  • Adobe Photoshop: May be used for image manipulation or refinement, though less central than InDesign/Illustrator for this role.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: A required tool for designing presentations and figures, often used in conjunction with Adobe Suite.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core tasks, but familiarity with project management tools used for task tracking and workflow automation within an agency setting would be advantageous. Examples might include Asana, Trello, or similar platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator, highlights the technical foundation expected. In an operations context, proficiency in these tools translates to efficiency, accuracy, and the ability to produce high-quality, compliant assets consistently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy and Precision: Paramount due to the scientific and healthcare context. Every visual must be correct and meticulously rendered.

• Compliance and Integrity: Adherence to client branding, regulatory standards, and ethical guidelines is non-negotiable.

• Efficiency and Productivity: The ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and contribute to workflow improvements is highly valued.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with cross-functional teams (writers, PMs) to achieve project goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to contribute ideas for enhancing processes, templates, and overall output quality.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with medical writers and project managers, requiring clear communication and a proactive approach to understanding project requirements.

• Process Review Culture: The role's contribution to workflow improvements suggests an environment where feedback on processes is welcomed and encouraged.

• Knowledge Sharing: Implicit in a global team structure, sharing best practices for design, software use, and QC is likely encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is shaped by the demands of the scientific and healthcare industry, emphasizing precision, compliance, and structured processes. This aligns well with an operations-focused mindset where systematic execution and quality assurance are key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: The primary challenge is taking intricate scientific or medical data and transforming it into easily understandable and visually appealing graphics.

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Working within strict brand guidelines, regulatory requirements, and specific client briefs while still producing engaging visuals.

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Juggling numerous projects concurrently, each with its own set of requirements and timelines, common in agency environments.

• Maintaining Scientific Accuracy: Ensuring that visual representations of data do not misrepresent or oversimplify complex scientific findings. This requires a keen eye for detail and a commitment to verification.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Data Visualization Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge methods for presenting complex scientific information.

• Deepening Scientific Domain Knowledge: Gaining a better understanding of the pharmaceutical, biotech, and health tech sectors through exposure to various projects.

• Process Optimization Skills: Developing expertise in streamlining design workflows, creating efficient templates, and refining QC processes.

• Client Communication Skills: Improving ability to communicate design rationale and project status to internal teams and potentially clients.

• Software Mastery: Continuous learning of advanced features and workflows within Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational rigor required in this role, extending beyond basic design skills to include critical thinking, problem-solving, and meticulous execution. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing both creative and operational competencies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a scientific poster from initial brief to final delivery. How do you ensure scientific accuracy and adherence to congress guidelines?" (Focus on process, QC, and compliance).

• "Walk me through a project where you had to visualize complex scientific data. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them to ensure clarity?" (Focus on problem-solving, data interpretation, and visual storytelling).

• "How do you approach Quality Control for your own work and for designs created by others? What are the key elements you look for?" (Focus on attention to detail, operational rigor, and collaborative QC).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Amiculum and our work in scientific communications?" (Research Amiculum's website, client types, and recent projects).

• "How do you ensure your designs align with client branding and regulatory standards?" (Demonstrate understanding of compliance and meticulous application of guidelines).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, with scientific posters prominently featured at the beginning. For each piece, provide a concise title, client (if permissible), and a brief description of your role, the project's objective, and key design considerations.

• Highlight Process & Impact: For 2-3 key projects, be prepared to walk through your design process, emphasizing how you handled data, ensured accuracy, applied guidelines, and conducted QC. Discuss the impact of your designs (e.g., how they clarified complex information).

• Showcase Software Skills: Verbally highlight specific techniques or features used in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator that demonstrate your advanced proficiency.

• Be Ready for a Practical Challenge: Assume you may be asked to perform a design task or critique a sample design related to scientific posters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes practical demonstration of skills, process orientation, and understanding of the scientific communication landscape. The focus on QC and adherence to guidelines reflects the operational demands of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Scientific Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your CV, covering letter, and a portfolio specifically showcasing your scientific poster design experience via the application link on the Amiculum careers page.

• Tailor your CV and Cover Letter: Emphasize your experience with scientific/technical content, Adobe Suite proficiency (especially InDesign/Illustrator), QC experience, and any relevant life sciences background. Clearly state your ability to work remotely or in a hybrid capacity.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a well-organized PDF or a dedicated portfolio website) and prominently features your best scientific poster designs. Include case studies that demonstrate your process, attention to detail, and ability to work within constraints.

• Prepare for a Practical Assessment: Be ready for a skills test that will likely involve designing a scientific poster or a similar scientific graphic, assessing your speed, accuracy, and software proficiency under timed conditions.

• Research Amiculum: Understand their mission, client base, and the types of scientific communications they deliver. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses to demonstrate a strong fit with their operational focus and industry expertise.

⚠️ 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.