Creative Lead for BioInteractive

Primary Work Address: 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production.  Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between.  The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation.  As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

Summary: 

BioInteractive, HHMI’s nationally recognized science education program, reaches thousands of classrooms across the country and advances the mission of the Science Education Department to transform how high school and introductory college students experience science.

The Science Education Creative Lead is responsible for translating complex scientific ideas into engaging, accurate, and visually compelling educational media. Reporting to the Senior Director, BioInteractive, this role serves as a hands-on creative expert and project lead, producing high-quality animations, illustrations, and multimedia assets across digital and video platforms.

This role collaborates closely with scientists, educators, and internal content teams to develop effective visual representations of scientific concepts, while managing external designers, animators, and production partners. The Creative Lead ensures that all outputs meet high standards for scientific accuracy, educational value, and design quality.

This position follows a hybrid schedule with three days onsite at HHMI Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

What we offer:

• Meaningful Impact: Contribute to a nationally recognized science education program used by students and educators nationwide. Your work will directly influence how science is understood and experienced in classrooms.
• Creative Ownership: Lead the visual execution of projects from concept to completion, with the time, support, and autonomy to produce work of exceptional quality.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside scientists, educators, filmmakers, and creative professionals in a highly collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development.

What you will do:

• Lead the development and evolution of BioInteractive’s visual identity for its scientific media production.
• Serve as creative lead on complex projects by defining scope, establishing timelines, tracking milestones, and ensuring timely delivery.
• Collaborate with content teams and scientists to translate complex scientific concepts into accurate and engaging visual assets for a range of media formats.
• Lead the development of animation and interactive media projects from concept through final production, including research, scripting, and storyboarding.
• Oversee the creation of visual elements for video and multimedia productions, working closely with internal teams and external partners.
• Provide clear and actionable feedback to designers, illustrators, and animators to ensure scientific accuracy, visual clarity, and production quality.
• Manage external contractors, including defining project scope, reviewing budgets and timelines, and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Support the design and production of outreach materials and promotional items for all programs within the Science Education department.

What you bring:

• Master’s degree or certification from an accredited Medical & Biological Illustration program. Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline.
• 5 to 8 years of professional experience creating high-end scientific and medical animations, illustrations, and interactive media.
• Experience working collaboratively with scientists across multiple disciplines and translating complex scientific concepts into accurate visual representations.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-phase creative projects from concept through delivery while meeting established timelines and production milestones.
• Experience overseeing design projects, including managing the work of designers, illustrators, and animators, and providing structured, actionable feedback that improves accuracy, clarity, and visual impact.
• Proficiency in 3D and 2D animation, illustration, and graphic design software, including tools such as Cinema 4D, Maya, Blender, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience gathering and interpreting information from peer-reviewed literature and datasets, including molecular data, to inform animations and illustrations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong project management, organizational, and communication skills, including providing consistent, proactive updates to stakeholders.

Application Instructions:
To apply, please provide a link to your portfolio or work samples that include: at least two examples of scientific animations or interactive media, noting your role in each project and target audience; at least one illustration demonstrating scientific accuracy at the molecular or cellular level; and one example of a designed artifact, such as a poster, infographic, or web layout.  If you managed external contractors or provided creative direction on any portfolio pieces, please note that. Submissions without portfolio materials will not be reviewed.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note: This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-EG1

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$111,768.80 (minimum) - $139,711.00 (midpoint) - $181,624.30 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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