Graphic Design Associate

Graphic Design Associate 

Southern Research (SR) is a translational research institute that transforms ideas into innovation, and innovation into jobs and economic opportunity. Over its 80-year history, SR has developed seven FDA-approved drugs, contributed to the development of over half of chemotherapies currently in use in the US, and served hundreds of commercial, academic, and government partners. SR recently unveiled a new strategic plan centered on making Birmingham and Alabama national biotech centers of excellence in partnership with Alabama academic institutions, policymakers, educators, and economic development organizations.

Southern Research is at a pivotal moment in its 80-year history. At the start of 2022, SR launched a new strategic plan focused on translational research in the life sciences. SR will invest over $150 million in this new strategy, including development of new facilities, platforms, and programs. These investments will allow us to build cutting-edge industry partnerships, better serve client needs, and drive development of new IP to launch and support startup companies.

General Summary

Southern Research is seeking a highly motivated and creative Graphic Design Associate to join our team. This full-time position will report to the Head of Strategic Marketing and will support SR's marketing and business development outreach efforts through the creation of visual collateral. We are seeking a candidate who can bring a fresh perspective to our communications and create designs that reflect our values and mission. The ideal candidate enjoys working both independently and collaboratively on projects and will be responsible for creating engaging, professional designs that help drive organizational success. This position will engage in all stages of the creative process while working closely with leaders from various departments and divisions. The position will begin in person but has the potential to become a hybrid role.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Translate strategic direction into high-quality design within an established brand identity
• Brainstorm, collaborate, and strategize with internal stakeholders to understand their design needs
• Develop and design a high volume of visual assets, including print and digital pieces such as marketing materials, case studies, white papers, social media graphics, presentations, collateral, and more
• Use various media sources and graphic design software to accomplish your work
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet tight deadlines and ensure all projects are completed on time and within brand guidelines
• Present ideas, concepts, and design solutions to various stakeholders and incorporate their feedback with direction from the Head of Strategic Marketing
• Interface with suppliers and service providers to ensure proofs are of good quality and in line with production specifications
• Coordinating with outside agencies, art services, web designers, and printers as necessary
• Generating, printing, and gathering materials for conference travel, coordinating with colleagues on logistics
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

• Four-year degree in Graphic Design or related field, or equivalent work experience
• Mastery of graphic design software, particularly the Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, & Photoshop)
• Compelling portfolio of work over a wide range of creative projects
• Comfort in a dynamic work environment, collaborating with stakeholders across divisions of the organization
• A keen eye for aesthetics and details
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective organizational and time-management skills for meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Desire to continue building skill set with education and training
• Willingness to work in-person (with the eventual opportunity for hybrid work)

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of professional experience as a graphic designer
• Knowledge of WordPress and content management systems
• Photography experience

Physical Demands

• This position is required to work in an office setting using a computer for extended periods of time
• Must be able to move up to 50 pounds at times