Creative Lead

About the Role

The Disease Biophysics Group at Harvard University is seeking a Creative Lead to join the lab in a part-time, embedded capacity. This is a transdisciplinary role sitting at the intersection of scientific research, creative practice, and communications. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and research team to support the lab's public-facing creative output, oversee the visual and communicative identity of the group's external programs, and contribute original artistic work informed by the lab's research environment. This is a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal.

Responsibilities

• Creative Leadership
  • Establish and maintain the creative direction and visual identity of the lab's external-facing programs and outputs by working with trainees in support of sponsored programs.
  • Oversee the development of creative concepts from inception through to completion.
  • Ensure consistency of tone, identity, and aesthetic standards across all public-facing materials and publications.
  • Contribute original artistic work as part of the lab's ongoing creative program.
• Program Management
  • Manage and coordinate potential creative collaborations.
  • Oversee production timelines, budgets, and external vendor relationships for creative projects.
  • Coordinate logistics for public-facing events, presentations, and program activities.
• Brand & Communications
  • Serve as brand guardian for all external-facing materials and communications; ensuring nothing is released without creative sign-off and stakeholder interests are met.
  • Write and oversee all public-facing narrative, copy, and communications materials.
  • Translate complex scientific subject matter into accessible language for non-specialist audiences.
• External Relations
  • Manage relationships with external partners, collaborators, and stakeholders relevant to the lab's creative program.
  • Identify and develop funding opportunities relevant to the creative and communications work of the group.
  • Represent the lab's creative program in relevant professional contexts.

Requirements

• College degree in a related field required, or an equivalent of education plus relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in design engineering preferred.
• Five or more years of related experience preferred.
• An established creative practice with a portfolio of original work.
• Demonstrated experience in a creative direction, art direction, or equivalent leadership role.
• Strong written communication skills; ability to write clearly and precisely for a range of audiences.
• Experience managing creative projects from concept through to delivery.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, research-led environment.
• Genuine interest in science and the ability to engage with complex research subject matter.
• Experience working within or alongside academic or research institutions.
• Experience managing visiting artists, collaborators, or creative residency programs.
• Familiarity with grant writing or arts funding applications.
• Existing networks within creative industries; arts, design, fashion, film, or photography.

Schedule

20 standard hours per week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:00 AM-3:30 PM, Thursdays 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.