Contact

Moments Capabilities Work Thinking About Focus Areas Careers Contact

Contact

Home/Careers/Fellows Program

The Cognition Fellows Program

A launchpad for the next generation of science and health communicators.

At Cognition, we believe the best way to build the field is by investing in people.

A full-time, paid fellowship for emerging or transitioning professionals in design, medical illustration and animation, or science and health writing. The term is flexible — 6, 9, or 12 months — and Fellows contribute to real projects, work alongside senior mentors, and grow their craft inside a studio where strategy, science, and story converge.

Why it matters

This isn't a simulation. It's a launchpad.

The transition from school, or from a different career, into strategic creative work is complex. We created this program to bridge that gap.

Our Fellows build confidence, sharpen their skills, and learn to think across disciplines while embedded in a team that values rigor, collaboration, and creativity. It's structured, it's immersive, and it's deeply intentional.

What fellows experience

Four things you can count on across the year.

Real work

Join interdisciplinary project teams and contribute to both client engagements and internal research initiatives.

Mentorship

Meet weekly with a mentor from Cognition's leadership team. Build momentum through monthly check-ins and quarterly reviews.

Creative and strategic growth

Refine your skills in writing, design, or illustration while developing fluency in business communication, health science strategy, and creative leadership.

Capstone

Complete a final capstone presentation or R&D showcase that reflects your impact, process, and personal growth.

Program snapshot

Duration

6, 9, or 12 months, full-time

Tracks

Communications · Design · Medical Illustration and Animation

Format

Hybrid, Seattle and remote

Compensation

Paid salary plus full benefits

Start dates

Rolling, based on studio capacity

Mentorship

Weekly 1:1s plus milestone reviews

Final deliverable

Capstone presentation or R&D showcase

Who it's for

We're not looking for polish. We're looking for potential.

This program is for curious, driven individuals ready to contribute and grow.

A recent grad in design, communication, or science

Transitioning from academia or an adjacent career

Passionate about storytelling, problem-solving, and public impact

Looking for mentorship and structure as you level up

Meet a fellow

I'm proud of how I stepped into the work, navigated ambiguity, and grew through collaboration.

Natalie Godfrey

Writing Fellow, 2024

Natalie joined Cognition to deepen her skills in strategic storytelling. Over the year she contributed to global health initiatives, biotech messaging, and internal communication strategy. Her work, and her growth, set the bar for future Fellows.

Common questions

Is the fellowship paid?

Yes. Fellows are full-time, salaried employees with benefits.

Do I need to live in Seattle?

No. We offer hybrid participation, with in-person opportunities when available.

Can I apply to more than one track?

You'll apply to a specific track — communications, design, or illustration and animation — but may be exposed to others.

How many Fellows are accepted?

Typically one per cycle, depending on studio needs.

Will I be hired full-time after?

There's no guarantee, but Fellows often gain the visibility, experience, and coaching that leads to full-time roles, at Cognition or beyond.

How to apply

We accept applications on a rolling basis.

A brief statement of interest

Resume or CV

Two or three work samples relevant to your track

Apply to the program

Back to Careers