Scientific Graphic Designer and Web Support Specialist, UTC Research Institute

The Scientific Graphic Designer and Web Support Specialist is a creative and technical expert responsible for developing visually compelling, scientifically accurate graphics, that support research, education, outreach, and strategic initiatives across the Institute. 

This exempt-level role is critical to translating complex scientific and engineering concepts into accessible visual formats for use in proposals, publications, reports, presentations, and public-facing materials.

The incumbent leads the design and production of high-quality graphics for both print and digital formats, ensuring visual consistency and accuracy while advancing the mission of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR) and the UTC Research Institute (UTCRI). This includes supporting interdisciplinary research centers and labs through visual storytelling, data visualization, scientific diagrams, and branded collateral. The role also contributes significantly to proposal development by creating custom figures, data plots, and visual content that enhances clarity and competitiveness.

In addition to scientific design, the position supports the Office of the VCR and UTCRI’s on-line presence and brand through website development and maintenance, developing social media campaigns, digital display content, and email newsletters. The incumbent plays a key role in executing visual campaigns and ensuring consistency with UTC brand standards while tailoring content for targeted research audiences.

This role requires a blend of creative design expertise, scientific literacy, and web development capabilities, along with the ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively with faculty, researchers, and staff in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Scientific and Strategic Graphic Design

• Designs and produces technical graphics, figures, and illustrations for research proposals, scientific publications, conference materials, presentations, and outreach efforts
• Collaborates with researchers and faculty to visually translate complex concepts into accurate, accessible formats
• Supports interdisciplinary research centers and labs with branding and graphic design needs, including annual reports, poster layouts, flyers, and infographics
• Develops branded materials for internal and external stakeholders that reinforce the Institute’s mission and identity

Management of Web and Digital Presence

• Designs, maintains, and updates the websites for the Office of the VCR, UTC Research Institute and affiliated divisions using the University’s Drupal CMS, ensuring usability, accessibility, and branding compliance
• Collaborates with the center and program leads to launch and maintain new research group and initiative sites
• Creates digital display graphics, manages content updates, and assists with visual digital signage strategy
• Creates content and maintains email newsletters, social media campaigns, and other digital needs

Visual Communication for Events and Outreach

• Assists with the visual and logistical planning of research events, including flyers, digital ads, and on-site signage
• Provides layout design and logistical support for conferences, research symposia, and outreach events
• Partners with URaCE, ORSP, and other research offices to create visuals for student research presentations, funding opportunities, and policy updates

Professional Development, Coordination, and Additional Duties

• Attends university-wide web developer meetings to stay informed of CMS and branding changes
• Coordinates with Communications & Marketing as needed to ensure consistency with institutional standards and support cross-campus initiatives
• Participates in professional development to remain current with evolving tools and standards in scientific visualization, web design, and digital media
• Provides occasional technical and software support to colleagues, including training or assistance with design tools, file conversions, and layout formatting
• Performs media processing tasks such as scanning documents for text extraction, enabling keyword search in PDFs, creating fillable forms, and retouching legacy images for reuse
• Assists with printing and ordering bound materials (e.g., dissertations and theses) and contributes to the creation of building signage and other clerical tasks related to Institute branding and presentation

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Strong ability to interact with cross-functional teams including researchers, faculty, students, and administrators
• Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat Professional)
• Ability to take ideas from concept to final execution across digital and print formats
• Demonstrated skill in scientific visualization and data presentation
• Experience working with scientists, engineers, and researchers to visually communicate complex ideas
• Experience coordinating with printers, vendors, and collaborators on project execution
• Experience in creating graphics and layout for proposals, posters, technical documents, and digital media
• Experience creating and designing for social media campaigns
• Strong understanding of design principles, layout, typography, and branding
• Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and CMS platforms (Drupal preferred)
• Effective verbal and written communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Familiarity with data plotting software or scientific illustration techniques
• Knowledge of accessibility standards for web and print materials
• Familiarity with university research environments and grant proposal processes

The review of applications will begin May 23, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. 

Minimum: Requires a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, digital media, or related field; at least three years of professional experience in graphic design, scientific communication, or web development; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred: A strong portfolio showcasing both scientific and marketing/branding design work is highly desirable. Experience in an academic, research, or science/technology environment is preferred.