View Vacancy -- Scientific Graphic Designer - Operations Group - VisLab - LMB 1881

Open Date
07/07/2022, 13:00
Close Date
04/08/2022, 23:55
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably X-ray crystallography of proteins, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. 

The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

With the opening of our new laboratory the LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both young and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org

MRC - 4
Cambridge
£32,005 to £40,769 per annum
Permanent
Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full Time

Overall purpose: 

The Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) has a strategic ambition to promote understanding and engagement of its world class science to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. 

The VisLab is responsible for producing dynamic, creative and captivating visuals to tell LMB’s science stories in the most elegant way.

The Scientific Graphic Designer will be an essential part of VisLab to conceptualise and deliver high-quality, compelling graphics to support audience engagement and information delivery.


Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

Collaborate directly with the VisLab members, scientists, public engagement team and other departments, to translate complex scientific information into accurate, clear, informative and appealing graphics for the intended purpose and audience (research, education, public engagement and marketing objectives).

Conceptualise, compose and create high-quality digital and print content including 2D science -illustrations, -infographics, motion graphics and other graphic narratives.

Create original content and uphold highest standards in visual communication, in alignment with VisLab standards in visual language and the UKRI/MRC visual brand.

Engage with and support team members, and participate in meetings, critiques, and reviews to help develop and improve VisLab services.

Manage multiple individual and team projects in accordance with the project brief and by the agreed deadlines. 

Organise and maintain digital assets and files for ease of use, transmittal, production and client access in accordance with the VisLab’s agreed practice. 

Keep abreast of new development in the design and visual communications field in order to apply best creative practices, tools and trends for digital, print and web formats.

Develop effective and efficient workflows and share skills through tutorials, workshops, and designs through templates and collections that can be useful for LMB colleagues.


Working relationships: 

You will report to the Head of the VisLab and work closely with VisLab team members.

You will work with scientists, the public engagement team, scientific facilities, and other groups across LMB to support chosen projects through all stages of production.

You may be required to liaise with external content creators for collaboration on outsourced projects.

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Bachelor’s degree in a graphic design or media design program or equivalent with experience in the biomedical field.

OR

Bachelor’s degree from a biomedical program as well as extensive experience in 2D still and motion graphics.

Previous work experience required: 

Extensive experience in creating biomedical science graphics for print, digital and web communications.

Experience of working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Knowledge and experience: 

Required:
Must have good visual design skills and aesthetic sense developed through producing an extensive portfolio of striking and captivating bioscience graphics.

Experience of understanding a variety of bioscience literature, visually explaining complex scientific information through various forms of graphic narratives. 

A solid grasp of the fundamental principles of design, such as layout, hierarchy, salience, typography, iconography, colour theory and aesthetics.

Advanced knowledge in using Adobe Creative Cloud especially Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Expertise in typography and proficiency in writing and editing scientific and non-scientific information on graphics.

Competent in working with motion graphics using Adobe After Effects or equivalent software and video editing.

Experience of developing visuals for branding and corporate identities.

Experience of managing a portfolio of work, including individual and team-based projects.

Working knowledge of MS applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or LibreText.

Desirable:
Experience of UI/UX design or web design.

Experience or interest in interactive graphics.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 
•    Ability to effectively communicate with scientists and team members to fully understand their needs as well as manage expectations and function in a collaborative environment.
•    Good organisational and interpersonal skills.
•    Must enjoy working independently, as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
•    Resilience to work under pressure, balance competing priorities and deadlines in an organised manner.
•    Passion for learning and a willingness to explore and discover newer methods and tools for efficient workflows and development of visuals.
•    Adaptable and flexible with an openness to change.
•    Comfortable receiving and giving feedback.
•    Detail-oriented creative thinker.

All applicants are required to submit a CV, cover letter and portfolio of their work.
The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.

We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.  The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

This opportunity is closed to applications.