Temporary Bartels Science Illustrator

Temporary Bartels Science Illustrator

Nonexempt
Cornell Lab of Ornithology

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Ithaca, New York

About the College

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second-largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a renowned nonprofit, member-supported institution dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of birds, wildlife, and our shared planet through research, education, citizen science, and conservation. We join with people from all backgrounds and abilities to make new scientific discoveries, share insights, and foster conservation action. Our collaborative relationship with the broader Cornell community allows us to tackle the big challenges for science and society and to translate cutting-edge science, technology and storytelling into real-world impact. Our online resources allow millions of people around the globe to deepen their connection with the natural world.

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.

Are you an emerging artist who appreciates and understands the relationship between art and nature, and has an interest in birds?

The Bartels Science Illustration Program offers opportunities to emerging artist illustrators seeking to gain experience in the field of science illustration and expand their portfolios while working on projects that help the Cornell Lab achieve its broader mission. This program has been highly successful in how it benefits both the illustrator and the organization, offering the artist the opportunity to work with a range of departments including Communications (Living Bird Magazine), Membership (Gifts for members), Education (K-12 programs), Higher Education (helping to teach undergraduate classes) and directly with many Cornell Lab scientists to communicate important research to the public. The artist will also benefit from the mentorship and supervision of the staff biological illustrator, which, along with access to a broad range of specialists, is truly an experience unique to the Cornell Lab and results in a diverse portfolio that can aid the illustrator in career development.

The Bartels Science Illustration Program is well-known in the professional field of science illustration as a rare and valuable opportunity for emerging artist professionals with substantial biological illustration skills who are at the portfolio-building stage.

What We Need

As the Temporary Bartels Illustrator, you will need to work as part of a team and independently, contributing to a productive work environment. You will need to be able to communicate ideas to others and work collaboratively and inclusively to develop visuals that further the Cornell Lab’s mission. Additional requirements include:

• Associate's Degree and 2+ years of relevant experience in illustration or the 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, and the illustrator will consult with their direct supervisor and other Cornell Lab experts before final completion and delivery of artwork.
• Willingness to work on a broad range of projects that come up 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.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Certification in scientific illustration or a degree in a related field is preferred, and/or equivalent work experience as demonstrated in portfolio samples.
• College-level coursework related to science illustration, including fine art courses such as observational drawing courses, and courses in related fields such as illustration and graphic design, as well as biology and the 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. Please note that experience with teaching is helpful but not required.

This is a temporary, full-time in-person position at 40 hours/week. This is a temporary six-month appointment and can be extended to another 6 months contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This position is located in Ithaca, New York. There is no remote work option for this position.

How to Apply:

Application deadline is May 29, 2026. Position begins in Fall 2026.

You must submit a CV and a cover letter in which you describe your relevant background and your interest in our scientific illustration program. Your submission must also include a portfolio of 8-10 image illustration samples that demonstrate experience and skill in the illustration of wildlife and natural subjects, including birds. It’s recommended to combine all files (CV, cover letter and portfolio image files) into one PDF file when uploading. Ensure the PDF is not too large-images should be viewable on a regular screen without pixelation, but need not be very large-reduce file size if necessary. If you experience technical issues or need assistance uploading your files to our site, you may contact Janet Camilli (jer278@cornell.edu). For other questions, please contact the program coordinator, Jillian Ditner (jd958@cornell.edu).

Rewards and Benefits

Compensation is $25.52/hour.

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our 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, we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.

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.