California Institute of Technology - Freelance Scientific Illustrator

Freelance Digital Illustrator is needed in United States.

Client: California Institute of Technology

Location: Remote

Contract: Contract

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented scientific illustrator on a freelance basis. This is an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to build their portfolio and gain experience creating professional scientific visuals for real-world academic and research applications. You will work from source materials including hand-drawn sketches, mockups, or other rough visuals, along with detailed descriptions and will transform them into polished, presentation and/or publication-ready scientific illustrations. Your work will appear in academic presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and grant proposals, and you will receive credit, establishing your presence in this field and potentially leading to additional opportunities.

This role requires flexibility and the ability to work under tight deadlines. Projects vary in scope and frequency, making it ideal for someone balancing coursework and/or building a freelance career.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and refine rough sketches, drafts, and simple mockups into clear, professional scientific illustrations.
• Create vector-based graphics suitable for print and digital formats.
• Communicate with team members to clarify visual concepts and incorporate feedback.
• Deliver work on time, including occasional rush projects requiring quick turnaround.
• Maintain organized files and deliver assets in requested formats.
• Proven experience in digital design, graphic design, or illustration with a strong portfolio showcasing scientific or technical artwork.
• Familiarity with art direction principles to guide the visual style of projects aligned with client or project goals.
• Proficiency in photography techniques relevant to scientific imaging or documentation is a plus.
• Expertise in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and other Adobe Creative Suite tools is essential.
• Knowledge of motion graphics creation using Adobe After Effects or Maya for 2D/3D animation projects.
• Understanding of color theory, typography, layout design, and visual storytelling techniques.
• Experience working with CAD software like SketchUp or Sketch for interior or production design projects is advantageous.
• Ability to adapt illustrations for web design, print advertising, screen printing, or digital art formats as needed.
• Join us as a Freelance Scientific Illustrator and play a vital role in transforming scientific data into captivating visuals that educate and inspire! This paid position offers the flexibility to work remotely while making a meaningful impact through your artistic talents.

Requirements

Desired Education/Background:

• Scientific Illustration
• Medical Illustration
• Biological Illustration
• Graphic Design (with emphasis on technical or scientific work)
• Fine Arts or Studio Art (with relevant coursework or portfolio work in scientific subjects)

Desired Skills:

Required:

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator.
• Strong understanding of vector-based illustration techniques.
• Ability to interpret and visually communicate scientific concepts.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Reliable communication and ability to meet deadlines.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with biology, anatomy, or related sciences.
• Experience creating figures for academic publications or presentations.
• Comfort working from rough source material.

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $25–$125/hour, depending on experience.

Rush Fee: Additional compensation available for projects requiring expedited turnaround (typically 1.25x–1.5x standard rate).

Payment issued per project or on a regular billing cycle, depending on project volume.

To Apply

Please submit:

• A brief introduction and statement of interest.
• Your portfolio or samples of relevant work (scientific, technical, or medical illustration preferred).
• Your availability and typical turnaround capacity.

Pay: $25.00 - $125.00 per hour

Work Location: Remote