View Vacancy -- Scientific Illustrator/ Animator - Operations Group - VisLab - LMB 1882

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.

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 collaborates with members of LMB to generate dynamic and captivating visualisations to support and showcase its outstanding research and science.

The Scientific Illustrator/ Animator as an integral part of VisLab will create innovative and compelling 2D and 3D still and animated graphics for visualisation and communication of LMB’s exceptional science and research.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

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

Conceptualise, compose and create high-quality digital and print content including but not limited to scientific 2D/3D -models, -illustrations, -animations and -infographics.

Create original content and identify critical elements based on client vision and discussion. Be involved in all stages of content development; ideate, troubleshoot, make recommendations, and redesign to improve final deliverables.

Create complex and dynamic visualisations to help scientists gain insights and visualise their mental models, through programming solutions and writing code. 

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 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 practices. 

Keep abreast of new developments in biomedical visualisation and visual communications 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 and other scientific facilities across LMB to support chosen scientific 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: 

Graduate degree from a biomedical/ scientific illustration program or equivalent.

OR

Bachelor’s degree from a biomedical program as well as extensive experience in scientific visualisation using illustration and animation tools.

Previous work experience required: 

Extensive experience in creating complex scientific graphics, illustrations and animations.

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

Knowledge and experience: 

Required: 
Must possess good visual design skills and aesthetic sense developed through producing an extensive portfolio of creative scientific graphics.

Experience of visually explaining complex scientific information through various forms of graphic narratives. 

Advanced knowledge of using Adobe Creative Cloud especially Photoshop and Illustrator.

Expertise in 3D modelling, texturing, lighting, rigging, animating, dynamics, rendering and compositing using Blender (or a similar 3D animation tool) and Adobe After Effects.

Experience of using molecular graphic viewer programs like UCSF Chimera and/or PyMol.

Experience of programming (for example, Python) and using scripts to create complex dynamic 2D or 3D models, motion, movements and scenes.

Competence in conducting research and interpreting any scientific literature, identifying credible sources or locating information while developing accurate graphics content.

Experience of creating accurate and informative visual storyboards using digital or traditional media.

Knowledge of molecular biology to discuss scientific concepts and ideas and write compelling narrative scripts for any type of audience if required.

Experience of using Adobe Audition (or similar tool) for audio recording and editing.

Experience of managing a portfolio of work, both individual as well as team projects. 

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

Desirable:
Experience of sculpting using Pixalogic Z-brush.

Experience of using VMD.

Experience or interest in interactive graphics.

Experience or interest in simulation.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 
•    Ability to effectively communicate with scientists and co-workers to fully understand their needs as well as manage expectations and function in a collaborative manner.
•    Good organisational and interpersonal skills.
•    Must be able to work independently, as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
•    Critical thinking skills and desire to solve unknown/ complex problems with creative solutions.
•    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.
•    Be open to receiving feedback as well as giving feedback to team members to help motivate and develop them.
•    Adaptable and flexible with an openness to change.
•    Detail-oriented creative thinker.