Temporary Bartels Science Illustrator (Cornell Lab of Ornithology); Ithaca, New
Cornell University, Northeast Ithaca, NY, United States
Temporary Bartels Science Illustrator
Location: Ithaca, New York.
Overview
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology wants to offer an opportunity to a Temporary Illustrator to join the Bartels Science Illustration Program for a unique visiting artist residency. This is a full‑time, paid temporary appointment up to one year long. The program provides emerging artist illustrators with the chance to gain experience in science illustration and expand their portfolio while working on projects that help the Cornell Lab achieve its broader mission. The illustrator will work with a range of departments including Communications (Living Bird Magazine), Membership (Gifts for members), Education (K‑12 programs), Higher Education (supporting undergraduate classes) and directly with many Cornell Lab scientists to communicate important research to the public. The artist also receives mentorship and supervision from the staff biological illustrator and access to experts, resulting in a diverse portfolio that can aid career development.
Responsibilities and Requirements
Associate’s Degree and 2+ years of relevant experience in illustration or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Able to deliver work on schedule and the ability to incorporate feedback throughout the production process.
Biological accuracy is highly important; the illustrator will consult with supervisor and Cornell Lab experts before final completion and delivery of artwork.
Willingness to work on a broad range of projects that arise during the residency with various subject matters, styles, audiences, and applications.
Respect for and sensitivity to differences of culture, identity, and background in the workplace and with external stakeholders.
Additional Helpful Qualifications
Certification in scientific illustration or a degree in a related field is preferred, and/or equivalent work experience demonstrated in portfolio samples.
College‑level coursework related to science illustration, including fine art courses such as observational drawing, courses in illustration and graphic design, and biology and sciences.
A passion for further developing your skills in ornithological art.
Experience and skill in drawing and painting birds in one or more mediums or artistic styles.
General professional interest in science and science communication.
An interest in art instruction and sharing artistic techniques with others through university courses and informal workshops. Experience with teaching is helpful but not required.
Benefits
Compensation is $25.52/hour.
Benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
Leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King , Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end‑of‑year Winter Break from December 25 – January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions, two additional floating holidays are available.
Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.
No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application
Application deadline is May 29 2026. Position begins in Fall 2026. Submit a CV and a cover letter describing relevant background and interest in the scientific illustration program. Include a portfolio of 8‑10 illustration samples that demonstrate experience and skill in illustrating wildlife and natural subjects, including birds. Combine CV, cover letter, and portfolio files into one PDF when uploading. For technical assistance, contact Janet Camilli at jer278@cornell.edu. For additional questions, contact program coordinator Jillian Ditner at jd958@cornell.edu.
EEO Statement
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
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Location: Ithaca, New York.
Overview
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology wants to offer an opportunity to a Temporary Illustrator to join the Bartels Science Illustration Program for a unique visiting artist residency. This is a full‑time, paid temporary appointment up to one year long. The program provides emerging artist illustrators with the chance to gain experience in science illustration and expand their portfolio while working on projects that help the Cornell Lab achieve its broader mission. The illustrator will work with a range of departments including Communications (Living Bird Magazine), Membership (Gifts for members), Education (K‑12 programs), Higher Education (supporting undergraduate classes) and directly with many Cornell Lab scientists to communicate important research to the public. The artist also receives mentorship and supervision from the staff biological illustrator and access to experts, resulting in a diverse portfolio that can aid career development.
Responsibilities and Requirements
Associate’s Degree and 2+ years of relevant experience in illustration or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Able to deliver work on schedule and the ability to incorporate feedback throughout the production process.
Biological accuracy is highly important; the illustrator will consult with supervisor and Cornell Lab experts before final completion and delivery of artwork.
Willingness to work on a broad range of projects that arise during the residency with various subject matters, styles, audiences, and applications.
Respect for and sensitivity to differences of culture, identity, and background in the workplace and with external stakeholders.
Additional Helpful Qualifications
Certification in scientific illustration or a degree in a related field is preferred, and/or equivalent work experience demonstrated in portfolio samples.
College‑level coursework related to science illustration, including fine art courses such as observational drawing, courses in illustration and graphic design, and biology and sciences.
A passion for further developing your skills in ornithological art.
Experience and skill in drawing and painting birds in one or more mediums or artistic styles.
General professional interest in science and science communication.
An interest in art instruction and sharing artistic techniques with others through university courses and informal workshops. Experience with teaching is helpful but not required.
Benefits
Compensation is $25.52/hour.
Benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
Leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King , Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end‑of‑year Winter Break from December 25 – January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions, two additional floating holidays are available.
Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.
No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application
Application deadline is May 29 2026. Position begins in Fall 2026. Submit a CV and a cover letter describing relevant background and interest in the scientific illustration program. Include a portfolio of 8‑10 illustration samples that demonstrate experience and skill in illustrating wildlife and natural subjects, including birds. Combine CV, cover letter, and portfolio files into one PDF when uploading. For technical assistance, contact Janet Camilli at jer278@cornell.edu. For additional questions, contact program coordinator Jillian Ditner at jd958@cornell.edu.
EEO Statement
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
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