Scientific Illustrator

RELX; Chennai District; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Flexible Working Arrangement

Paid Time Off (Casual Leave, Sick, etc

Meal subsidies in Chennai

New Baby Gift

Job summary

Elsevier’s Cell Press team in Chennai seeks a Scientific Illustrator to create vector-based figures for the front sections of Cell and related journals. You will draft figures from drafts, refine with editors, and deliver to production, using Illustrator (and Photoshop) and occasionally for covers and imagery.

You will work to tight deadlines, review external artwork, and collaborate with editors and authors to ensure accuracy and visual clarity across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Mastery of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, with familiarity in Adobe InDesign.
• Strong visual and graphic design skills to transform complex scientific information into clear figures.
• Broad scientific literacy across disciplines.
• Strong written and verbal communication with a customer-service outlook.
• Ability to work independently, manage timelines, solve problems, and follow through on commitments.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Adapt to established visual styles and strict formatting requirements.
• Portfolio demonstrating Illustrator and design/layout; design test will be given.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and create illustrations from authors’ rough sketches or electronic files.
• Create ideas for illustrations where the author of an article has not provided suggestions.
• Assist with management of freelance illustration model and perform quality control on freelanced art and design work.
• Research and license photographic images when appropriate.
• Liaise with Cell Press editors, authors, and suppliers.
• Attend outside seminars and lectures on industry trends and stay informed on design innovations.
• Think creatively about new ideas and features.
• Contribute to the creation of visual assets that accurately communicate scientific information.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Graphic design

Scientific illustration

Portfolio

Time management

Communication skills

Tools

Illustration software

Job description

Are you passionate about transforming complex scientific concepts into compelling visual stories that support world‑class research communication?

Do you enjoy combining illustration, design, and scientific understanding to create impactful visuals for a global scientific community?

About Our Team

Our STMJ (Science, Technology, and Medical Journals) team, including our prestigious Cell Press portfolio, publishes high‑quality, peer‑reviewed research that drives progress across scientific and medical disciplines. We work closely with authors, editors, reviewers, and societies to ensure the integrity, relevance, and impact of the published work. Through innovation in editorial workflows and publishing technology, we empower global research communities to discover, evaluate, and share knowledge that advances science and improves lives.

About The Role

The Scientific Illustrator is responsible for the illustrative print and online content that appears in the front section of the flagship journal Cell, occasional covers for the research and review journal portfolio, review of outsourced illustration and design work, and production of website and marketing collateral. The day‑to‑day work primarily focuses on the creation of vector‑based figures in Adobe Illustrator. The Scientific Illustrator is responsible for creating figure drafts, communicating with both editorial staff and external authors to refine the drafts, and delivering the final figures to our production team. Other tasks may include creating cover designs for journals using Adobe Photoshop, editing photographs, reviewing external illustration work, and providing design or web content support for other teams. This role is also responsible for independently managing frequent and demanding journal deadlines and schedules as well as proactively anticipating and troubleshooting illustration issues/problems. Cell Press leads with quality, high standards, strong relationships, and exceptional author service, and the Scientific Illustrator will be expected to demonstrate those values in their work. The Scientific illustrator will report to the Illustration and Design Program Manager and work closely with the Senior Illustrator, who will oversee and assign day‑to‑day projects.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and create illustrations from authors’ rough sketches or electronic files
• Create ideas for illustrations where the author of an article has not provided suggestions
• Assist with management of freelance illustration model and perform quality control on freelanced art and design work
• Research and license photographic images when appropriate
• Liaise with Cell Press editors, authors, and suppliers
• Attend outside seminars and lectures on industry trends and stay informed on design innovations
• Think creatively about new ideas and features
• Contribute to the creation of visual assets that accurately communicate scientific information

Requirements

• Mastery of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, with familiarity in Adobe InDesign
• Strong visual and graphic design skills with the ability to transform complex scientific information into clear and cohesive figures
• Broad scientific literacy and the ability to quickly understand new scientific concepts across disciplines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a customer service‑focused outlook
• Ability to complete work independently, manage timelines, solve problems, and follow through on commitments
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
• Ability to adapt to established visual styles and strict formatting requirements
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to scientific accuracy
• Candidates must have a portfolio that demonstrates the above skills, especially focusing on mastery of Adobe Illustrator and design/layout examples.
• Qualified candidates will be expected to demonstrate their ability by taking a design test.

Work in a Way That Works for You

We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organisation. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance, and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long‑term goals.

Working Pattern

Working flexible hours - flexing the times when you work in the day to help you fit everything in and work when you are the most productive.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Covers you, your immediate family, and parents
• Enhanced Health Insurance Options: Competitive rates negotiated by the company
• Group Life Insurance: Ensuring financial security for your loved ones
• Group Accident Insurance: Extra protection for accidental death and permanent disablement
• Flexible Working Arrangement: Achieve a harmonious work‑life balance
• Employee Assistance Program: Access support for personal and work‑related challenges
• Medical Screening: Your well‑being is a top priority
• Modern Family Benefits: Maternity, paternity, and adoption support
• Long‑Service Awards: Recognizing dedication and commitment
• New Baby Gift: Celebrating the joy of parenthood
• Subsidized Meals in Chennai: Enjoy delicious meals at discounted rates
• Various Paid Time Off: Take time off with Casual Leave, Sick Leave, Privilege Leave, Compassionate Leave, Special Sick Leave, and Gazetted Public Holidays

We know your well‑being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. We are delighted to offer country specific benefits. Click here to access benefits specific to your location.

About The Business

A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world’s grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.