Graphic Design Trainee

Job Description

  

EMBL is looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Graphic Design trainee to join our Creative Team. You will be based at the EMBL headquarters in Heidelberg, working closely with our Graphic Designer and Illustrator to create materials for both digital and offline channels. Producing designs at a high standard for staff within the EMBL Communications Department located at all six EMBL sites, and colleagues across the entire organisation. 

We are an international, friendly and supportive team, with ties to communications professionals, local and national partners, and researchers throughout Europe, particularly in life sciences research and technology sectors.

What you will gain:

• Mentorship from our experienced Creative Team, learning how to create great design within an existing corporate identity framework 

• Experience meeting daily, weekly, and long-term deadlines in a busy communications team

• Involvement in briefings and managing projects with stakeholders

• Familiarity with how design works in an international research environment

 

What you will do:

• Create graphics and design layouts for: flyers, posters, the EMBL website, and social media accounts

• Create marketing materials for EMBL courses and conferences, based on a set of existing templates and data sheets of information

• Collaborate with other Communications team members for news visuals

• Develop templates for use by EMBL scientists (in Microsoft and Google suite) 

• Experience where art meets science to help communicate EMBL's research

You have:

• A bachelor's in visual communications, graphic design, or a relevant discipline (candidates studying for a design-related degree will also be considered) 

• Excellent English writing and communication skills

• Excellent skills in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator (confidence in Adobe Express would be an advantage) 

• Enthusiasm for the design process and for science

• Flexibility when working in a team and able to track multiple deadlines simultaneously

• Proactive, self-starter, good work ethic

• The ability to solve problems creatively as they arise

• Confident professional attitude 

You might also have:

• Illustration or motion graphic skills 

• Knowledge of other European languages, especially German, French, Italian or Spanish

• An interest in science and science communication

Contract length

6 months

Salary

1500 EUR / month

Why join us

Do something meaningful
By choosing a Trainee/Internship at EMBL/EMBO, you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges. Please watch the video below to learn more about EMBL and how our work makes a difference. Whatever your role, you will be contributing towards these challenges.

Campus life & benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements - including hybrid working patterns 

• Free shuttle bus to and from work (Hinxton & Heidelberg)

• On-site library

• Subsidised on-site cafeteria(s)

• Casual dress code

• Extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

• Family benefits: On-site nursery on campus

• Accident at work insurance
   

What else you need to know

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL/EMBO, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date

21/04/2026.