Visual Designer, Quanta Magazine

POSITION SUMMARY

Quanta Magazine is seeking a designer to assist the art department in creating and editing visual assets for web, social media and occasional print placement. The ideal candidate will be a skillful, inventive, digitally savvy visualizer who works well in an editorial team setting, can conceptualize and execute designs according to stylistic and journalistic guidelines under tight deadlines, and can quickly familiarize themselves with new concepts, tools and workflows.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the art, web and editorial staff to design and comp graphic and UI elements, figures and other visual features for the website.
• Prepare visuals for publication, primarily for web (includes color-correction and clean-up, file conversion, resizing, etc.)
• Design assets including ads and promo materials for social media, web and print.
• Learn the Wordpress content management system and assist on article production and layout as needed.
• Assist with infographics, visual research and video design elements.
• Help design and maintain internal documents (presentations, handouts, etc.).
• Support the art and editorial teams as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A portfolio demonstrating a strong grasp of design principles, color theory and typography, with an awareness of current design trends.
• A degree in Art/Design or equivalent experience, plus experience in editorial design.
• Expertise in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Experience working closely with teams, explaining design decisions, receiving and giving feedback.
• Must be a proactive, fast learner who can research deeply and problem-solve, especially when confronted with unfamiliar tasks or subject matter.
• A strong interest in and at least some familiarity with science, digital media and journalism.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized and an excellent communicator who thrives in a collaborative setting.
• Some familiarity with basic code (HTML, CSS) and content management systems.
• Desirable: Experience with charts, maps, infographics, animation and illustration. Basic familiarity with print specs. Familiarity with other software and tools like Figma, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere, Wordpress.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Resume
• Cover letter describing your interest in the position
• Portfolio (either as a link or a separate attachment)

ABOUT QUANTA

Quanta Magazine is an award-winning, editorially independent online publication launched by the Simons Foundation to enhance public understanding of science. Our reporters and editors focus on developments in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science and the basic life sciences, with an emphasis on delivering timely, accurate, in-depth and well-crafted articles for our broad, discerning audience. Among other awards and accolades for its science journalism, Quanta was awarded a 2020 National Magazine Award for general excellence. Quanta has syndication partnerships with Wired, The Atlantic, Scientific American, The Washington Post and other publications, has published two books (Alice and Bob Meet the Wall of Fire and The Prime Number Conspiracy) and our articles have been translated into several languages.

The Simons Foundation’s Diversity Commitment

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.