Junior Designer – New Scientist

Location: 9 Derry Street, Kensington, London, W8 5HY

Position: Permanent, Full time

Workplace type: Hybrid, minimum three days in the office

About Us

New Scientist is the world’s leading weekly publication in science and tech. With 5 million readers across all our platforms, we lead the way with the very best science and tech journalism, asking the big-picture questions about life, the universe and what it means to be human.

At a time when misinformation is an increasingly corrosive force, there has never been a greater need for a trusted, impartial source of information about what is going on in the world – or a greater need for inspiration through exceptional ideas. From artificial intelligence to climate change, the latest innovations in health to the mysteries of quantum physics and the human mind, New Scientist covers the ideas and innovations that matter.

Since our publication was founded in 1956 for “all those interested in scientific discovery and its social consequences”, it has expanded to include newsletters, videos, podcasts, courses and live events in the UK, US and Australia, including New Scientist Live, the world’s greatest festival of science. Our headquarters are in London, UK - we also have offices in the US and Australia.

Job Introduction

We’re looking for a Junior Designer to join our Art Department - a small team of 3 who in partnership with our Picture Department, bring our journalism to life visually.

Reporting into our Art Editor, this is a hands-on role working closely with our Senior Designer and our committed team of science and tech journalists to attract readers through engaging content.

Main Responsibilities

• Contributing to the look and feel of our magazine, digital content and associated marketing materials
• Design and delivery of pages to maximise visual appeal of each article, taking these from templates to print-ready files
• Helping to develop the look and feel of our digital content to suit all platforms
• Reviewing/checking pages ahead of our magazine going to print
• Taking briefs from our Editorial team to identify suitable visuals to support each article
• Supporting the Creative Director on an ad-hoc basis to support delivery of assets for the wider business

Person Specification

To deliver in the role successfully, you will:

• Be a Junior Designer with an interest or at least openness to science and technology
• Have strong organisational skills and be comfortable working to tight deadlines
• Be competent in Adobe CC, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
• Have an understanding of digital channels and how to position design online. Ideally with digital design skills – Animation, creating GIF’s etc and online tools such as Canva and Datawrapper
• Be a self-starter who’s happy to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in but also a team player
• Preferably have some experience on a Media/Publishing brand and/or experience on the art desk of a major publication
• Have an ability to generate visual ideas and concepts from scratch and to source and commission appropriate illustrators
• Have a good understanding of current trends in the magazine market
• Be able to multi-task and be adaptable, working with multiple teams
• Have genuine enthusiasm for the work produced across the whole New Scientist portfolio
• Have an ability to prioritise most pressing work despite competing pressures
• Be able to contribute ideas, communicate and create a supportive team environment
• Have an understanding of graphics/infographics

Package Description

In return for your energy and ideas we ensure you’re well rewarded. Here’s what to expect:

• 29 days’ holiday
• Upon joining you will be automatically enrolled onto the Pension Plan at the minimum level of 5% employee contribution, 4% Company contribution
• Life cover under the Pension Plan of up to 4x your basic salary
• DMGT Discounts (for discounts on online shopping, vouchers and reloadable cards)
• Subsidised canteen
• Onsite gym
• Onsite nurse and GP clinics
• Our Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted dining cards
• Private Medical Insurance – Bupa
• Flexible Working policy
• Eye care assistance
• Family Friendly policies
• Access to the magazine
• Access to newscientist.com, New Scientist app
• Invites to NS Events
• Plus, many other benefits

Working for New Scientist

New Scientist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applications to New Scientist will receive due consideration regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

As an organisation, we strive for empathy, self-awareness, courage and integrity, collaboration, innovation and information seeking. All applications are reviewed in an anonymous nature and hiring managers are unable to see the personal information of applicants. This practice allows us to review skills and experience and removes bias from the recruitment process. We aim to create an inclusive environment, empowering employees and embracing diversity. We welcome all applications.