Company Overview
Northwestern University stands as one of the nation’s leading research institutions, known for its commitment to innovative teaching, groundbreaking research, and a collaborative, interdisciplinary academic culture. The university offers outstanding opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional development for both students and faculty. With picturesque campuses along Lake Michigan—a 240-acre campus in Evanston just north of Chicago, a 25-acre campus in downtown Chicago, and an international campus in Doha, Qatar (established in 2008)—Northwestern provides an inspiring setting for academic excellence and discovery.
Key Responsibilities
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Design and produce high-quality, publication-ready figures and graphics for academic papers, presentations, and exhibitions.
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Create interactive or web-based data visualizations to effectively communicate complex research findings.
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Develop motion graphics, video content, and illustrations to support research outreach and public engagement.
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Collaborate closely with researchers to transform complex data and ideas into clear, visually engaging narratives.
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(Preferred but not required) Explore generative AI tools to streamline design workflows and develop cutting-edge visual outputs.
Note: A cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications, along with a portfolio or samples of relevant work, is required to be considered. Submitted materials will be reviewed by the interview panel as part of the selection process.
Specific Responsibilities
Strategic Planning
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Work with CSSI and NII researchers to define project goals and visualization requirements aligned with research or institutional objectives.
Administration
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Prepare documentation and visualizations for both qualitative and quantitative research data.
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Communicate findings and visual strategies to senior leadership.
Development
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Write queries and develop metrics to ensure data quality.
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Analyze data using techniques ranging from basic aggregation to advanced statistical methods.
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Manage and maintain complex datasets.
Performance
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Clean and organize data files to prepare them for analysis.
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Review and assess data quality.
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Present findings in formats tailored to diverse audiences and use cases.
Supervision
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Provide direction and mentorship to team members, contractors, student assistants, and other collaborators as needed.
Miscellaneous
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Perform additional duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in design, fine arts, computer science, or a related field from an accredited institution, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
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At least 2 years of relevant experience in data analysis, report development, or visual storytelling.
Minimum Competencies
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Exceptional artistic and design abilities.
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Strong skills in translating complex data into compelling visual formats.
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Excellent communication and collaboration skills, particularly in interdisciplinary research environments.
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Creativity and adaptability in addressing both technical and design-related challenges.
Preferred Qualifications
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4–6 years of professional experience in data visualization, information design, or computational media.
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Experience in web-based visualization tools (e.g., HTML5, CSS4, D3.js, Three.js).
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Proficiency in motion graphics and video production tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere, After Effects).
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Skills in 3D modeling and rendering software (e.g., Maya, RenderMan).
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Basic programming knowledge for interactive design (e.g., Python, Flask).
Compensation
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Target hiring range: $74,000 – $90,000 annually
Final salary will be determined based on the candidate’s education, experience, skills, and alignment with market and internal benchmarks.