Scientific Illustrator

Field Museum; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Field Museum in Chicago invites a Scientific Illustrator intern to communicate ecological and cultural significance through artwork. This hybrid role runs 28 hours per week for 16 weeks, supervised by the Program Manager and co-mentored by the Artist-in-Residence and EDNA Scientist.

Qualifications include pursuing or recent graduation in scientific illustration or related fields, ability to depict subjects scientifically, and experience with life/photographic references.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in scientific illustration, fine arts, graphic design, or similar or equivalent experience.
• Ability to portray subjects in a scientific manner in one or more mediums.
• Experience creating artwork from life and from photo references.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Ability to work in a hybrid in-person/virtual work environment.
• Strong time and project management skills.
• Interest in ecology, conservation, and science communication.
• Ability to research subjects of the illustrations.
• Passion to develop skills in scientific illustration.
• Commitment to continued learning in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion competencies.

Responsibilities

• Produce scientific illustrations of species dependent on Chicagoland rivers, such as fish, birds, bivalves, and similar.
• Work closely with scientists and the Artist-in-Residence to ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency across outputs.
• As a culminating experience, present and exhibit completed illustrations at a Keller Science Action Center event.
• Participate in occasional field work in Chicago and nearby regions to deepen ecological understanding and inform illustration choices.

Skills

Scientific illustration

Graphic design

Life drawing

Education

Bachelor's degree in scientific illustration or related field

Job description

Position: Scientific Illustrator

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Department: Keller Action Center

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

The Scientific Illustrator for the Keller Science Action Center will use artwork and graphic design to communicate the ecological and cultural significance of species living in or by Chicagoland rivers. Building on this theme, the Illustrator will create a set of scientific illustrations highlighting said species and use those illustrations to communicate their conservation needs. This internship will be a hybrid position working 28 hours/week for 16 weeks. This position will be supervised by the Chicago Region Program Manager and co-mentored by The Field Museum's Artist-in-Residence and Environmental DNA Research Scientist.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Produce scientific illustrations of species dependent on Chicagoland rivers, such as fish, birds, bivalves, and similar. Create additional piece(s) for engaging a popular audience. Possible options include stickers and postcards showing fauna in their habitats, a graphic novel, a comic book, a poster series, etc.
• Work closely with scientists and the Artist-in-Residence to ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency across illustration and design outputs.
• As a culminating experience, 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.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in scientific illustration, fine arts, graphic design, or similar or equivalent experience
• Ability to portray subjects in a scientific manner in one or more mediums
• Experience creating artwork from life and from photo references
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
• Ability to work in a hybrid in-person/virtual work environment
• Strong time and project management skills
• Interest in ecology, conservation, and science communication
• Ability to research subjects of the illustrations
• Passion to develop skills in scientific illustration
• Commitment to continued learning in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion competencies

Applications must be received by November 23, 2026. Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by November 30, 2026.

Supervision Received:

Receives general supervision by Program Manager, Chicago Program

Supervision Exercised:

The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Hours and Shift:

28 hours/weekly

Hybrid Eligibility:

Not eligible

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Union Representation:

This position is represented by Field Museum Workers’ United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.

Pay Range: $21.00/Hourly

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at [e-mail].

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.