Expert Scientific Illustrator for Neurosurgery Journal Figures

We are preparing a scientific manuscript in the field of neurosurgery / biomedical engineering describing a novel intraoperative electromagnetic (EM) navigation system for spinal cord stimulation procedures.

The goal of this project is to create high-quality, publication-ready scientific figures that clearly communicate both the clinical problem and our technical solution, as well as the quantitative validation of the system.

These figures must meet the visual and conceptual standards of high-impact medical journals (e.g., Journal of Neurosurgery, Nature Biomedical Engineering, etc.). Clarity, accuracy, and visual storytelling are critical.

PROJECT SCOPE

We require the creation of:

1. Figure 1 (Graphical Abstract / Problem + Solution)
Illustrate the clinical problem:
Variability in spinal cord anatomy (multiple spinal cord sizes)
Dermatome-based targeting
Fluoroscopic imaging (bone only, no neural visualization)
Illustrate the solution:
MRI → 3D anatomical model → EM navigation system → real-time guidance
This figure should be intuitive and understandable even to non-experts
2. Figure 2 (Main Technical Figure – MOST IMPORTANT)

This is the key figure of the paper.

It must:

Show the system setup in a clinical (hospital) environment
Illustrate positioning of:
EM field generator (PFG)
Reference sensor
Tracked electrode/sensor
Clearly communicate where the PFG should be placed and why

Additionally, it must include:

A visual representation of the measurement methodology (3D cube accuracy testing)
Graphs or heatmap showing:
Accuracy vs distance
Comparison across environments:
Lab vs hospital
With vs without electrode
A clear final conclusion panel summarizing:
Optimal placement (~260 mm)
Achieved accuracy (~1 mm in hospital conditions)
Clinical relevance
3. Supplementary Figures
Supplementary Figure Group A (Lab Environment)
Lab setup without electrode
Lab setup with electrode
Show differences in accuracy and latency
Supplementary Figure Group B (Hospital Environment)
Hospital setup without electrode
Hospital setup with electrode
Highlight real-world conditions (metal interference, OR setup)

These should visually match Figure 2 and maintain consistency in style.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
Publication-quality figures (vector format preferred: Adobe Illustrator / SVG / PDF)
Clean, consistent visual style across all figures
Clear labeling, panel structure (A, B, C, etc.)
Scientifically accurate illustrations (not generic or cartoonish)
Editable source files

REQUIRED SKILLS
Proven experience in scientific illustration (medical / biomedical preferred)
Strong understanding of:
Technical diagrams
Data visualization
Scientific storytelling
Experience with tools such as:
Adobe Illustrator (preferred)
BioRender (acceptable if high quality)
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear visuals

MATERIAL PROVIDED

We will provide:

Draft sketches and figure concepts for figure 1 and your expertise for figure 2 and the supplementary figures is needed
Scientific manuscript text
Experimental data (accuracy, latency, etc.)
Reference images (lab and hospital setup)
IMPORTANT
This is not a generic design task
Figures must be suitable for peer-reviewed journal submission
We are looking for someone who can think scientifically, not just draw
COLLABORATION

We expect:

Iterative feedback rounds
Close collaboration to refine figures
Openness to discussion and improvement

BONUS (optional but valued)
Experience with neuroscience / medical devices / surgical workflows
Previous work published in scientific journals