Scientific Illustration Graduate Intern

The Scientific Illustration Intern for the Keller Science Action Center will use artwork to explore and communicate the ecological and cultural significance of bird migration across the Chicago and Andes-Amazon regions. This internship will be hybrid, 28hrs/week from August thru November. The Intern will be supervised by the Senior Program Manager and co-mentored by the Field Museum’s Artist-in-Residence, Conservation Ecologist, and Senior Ecologist.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Produce scientific illustrations of Chicago and Andes Amazon region migratory birds Create additional piece(s) for engaging a popular audience. Possible options include stickers and postcards showing birds in their habitats, a graphic novel, a comic book, a poster series, etc.
• Work closely with scientists and Artist-in-Residence to ensure accuracy and quality of illustrations
• As a final project, present and exhibit illustrations at a venue TBD
• Participate in occasional field work, including bird walks and stewardship planting days in the City of Chicago, Calumet and Kankakee Regions to learn more about local ecology

Experience and Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a 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
• Your application must include a portfolio of 5-10 illustration samples that demonstrate skill and experience in illustration of natural subjects. Please upload one pdf of all samples.
• Your application must include a cover letter describing how you fulfill the qualifications listed above.

Equity Commitment
Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) women, and LGBTQ+ - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Field Museum is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace– so if you think you fit this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

The Keller Science Action Center is committed to a workforce that is diverse and inclusive and the Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Field Museum strives to create a working environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation and that promotes human dignity among all staff. Realizing that good relations between co-workers are an integral part of job satisfaction, the Field Museum strives to create a climate of mutual respect among all employees.

The application deadline is May 5th and candidates will be contacted by June 2nd.