Scientific Illustrator

Field Museum • Chicago, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Scientific Illustrator will work with the Keller Science Action Center to use artwork and graphic design to communicate the ecological and cultural significance of species living in or near Chicagoland rivers. The role will produce scientific illustrations of these species and use them to communicate conservation needs. The position is a 16-week internship working 28 hours per week. It is described as hybrid, although the posting also states that the position is not eligible for hybrid work. The role receives general supervision from the Program Manager, Chicago Program, and is supervised by the Senior Data Management Specialist and co-mentored by the Field Museum’s Artist-in-Residence. It has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in scientific illustration, fine arts, graphic design, or a similar field, or have equivalent experience.
• Ability to portray subjects scientifically in one or more mediums.
• Experience creating artwork from life and photo references.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Ability to work in a hybrid in-person/virtual environment.
• Strong time and project management skills.
• Interest in ecology, conservation, and science communication.
• Ability to research illustration subjects.
• Passion for developing skills in scientific illustration.
• Commitment to continued learning in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion competencies.
• Application must include a portfolio of 5–10 illustration samples demonstrating skill and experience illustrating natural subjects, uploaded as one PDF.
• Application must include a cover letter describing how the applicant fulfills the listed qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Produce scientific illustrations of species dependent on Chicagoland rivers, such as fish, birds, and bivalves.
• Create additional work for a popular audience, with possible formats including stickers, postcards, a graphic novel, a comic book, or a poster series.
• Work with scientists and the Artist-in-Residence to ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency across illustration and design outputs.
• Present and exhibit completed illustrations and campaign materials at a Keller Science Action Center event.
• Participate in occasional field work in Chicago and the broader Calumet and Kankakee Regions to deepen ecological understanding and inform illustration choices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern