On-Call Science Writer
Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA, United States
SUMMARY
Science Writers are responsible for translating complex scientific concepts into accurate, interesting, concise, and audience-appropriate language. Science Writers have a deep understanding of science but are also strong communicators with editorial expertise. This role independently researches, writes, curates, and evaluates science content for exhibition and exhibit labels and signage; digital projects including websites, apps, blogs, and social media; events; projects; and programs. Science Writers collaborate with scientists, artists, teachers, exhibit and digital developers, engineers, and graphic and digital designers. Science Writers contribute ideas to projects and programs, and to contribute their expertise to institutional communication that includes science content. This position reports to the Director of Editorial.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Writing: Research, curate, propose, and vet scientific content; edit, interview, and consistently develop engaging, accurate, and current science content across a variety of projects, with mentorship from Lead Science Writers and the Editorial Department Manager or Director; make timely editorial decisions and exercise creative discernment in shaping ideas
Collaboration: Work closely with scientists, artists, developers, designers, visitor research and evaluation staff, project leaders, and senior science writers to develop and write content for exhibitions, digital projects, activities, and programs, and to articulate conceptual frameworks for exhibition projects, including organizational structures and storylines
Iteration: Incorporate feedback and edits from others, revise conceptual documents and rewrite copy based on client feedback
Perform additional duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BA/BS degree in a scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Three years of professional science writing experience including researching, interviewing, rewriting, editing, and proofreading
Experience translating complex science content for a non-scientist audience, preferably in a non-profit environment
A professional portfolio of published pieces and/or museum credits
A tactful, cooperative attitude when editing, and willingness to be edited by others
Demonstrated dedication to accuracy and detail; willing to work through multiple revisions of projects
Talent for collaboration and effective teamwork, and demonstrated ability to work with people at all levels of an organization
Ability to meet tight deadlines and juggle multiple projects
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
This position is based in San Francisco, California with staff expected to work onsite a certain number of days per week based on department requirements
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time; utilize general office equipment
APPLICATION DEADLINE This position is open until filled.
HOW TO APPLY This is an
on-call position
that does not include benefits. On-call positions have varying schedules and are not guaranteed. The starting rate for this role is $40.76 per hour. This rate is step 1 of a 6 step Union pay scale. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.
PROFESSIONAL WRITING SAMPLES REQUIRED. Your cover letter is a writing sample. Find a way to grab our attention, while still maintaining an informal yet professional tone. Also, please send three samples of your science writing, ideally for a museum exhibition or similar audience. Include these as PDFs together with your cover letter.
The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Exploratorium Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111
Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs
The Exploratorium is committed to an inclusive workforce.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Writing: Research, curate, propose, and vet scientific content; edit, interview, and consistently develop engaging, accurate, and current science content across a variety of projects, with mentorship from Lead Science Writers and the Editorial Department Manager or Director; make timely editorial decisions and exercise creative discernment in shaping ideas
Collaboration: Work closely with scientists, artists, developers, designers, visitor research and evaluation staff, project leaders, and senior science writers to develop and write content for exhibitions, digital projects, activities, and programs, and to articulate conceptual frameworks for exhibition projects, including organizational structures and storylines
Iteration: Incorporate feedback and edits from others, revise conceptual documents and rewrite copy based on client feedback
Perform additional duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BA/BS degree in a scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Three years of professional science writing experience including researching, interviewing, rewriting, editing, and proofreading
Experience translating complex science content for a non-scientist audience, preferably in a non-profit environment
A professional portfolio of published pieces and/or museum credits
A tactful, cooperative attitude when editing, and willingness to be edited by others
Demonstrated dedication to accuracy and detail; willing to work through multiple revisions of projects
Talent for collaboration and effective teamwork, and demonstrated ability to work with people at all levels of an organization
Ability to meet tight deadlines and juggle multiple projects
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
This position is based in San Francisco, California with staff expected to work onsite a certain number of days per week based on department requirements
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time; utilize general office equipment
APPLICATION DEADLINE This position is open until filled.
HOW TO APPLY This is an
on-call position
that does not include benefits. On-call positions have varying schedules and are not guaranteed. The starting rate for this role is $40.76 per hour. This rate is step 1 of a 6 step Union pay scale. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.
PROFESSIONAL WRITING SAMPLES REQUIRED. Your cover letter is a writing sample. Find a way to grab our attention, while still maintaining an informal yet professional tone. Also, please send three samples of your science writing, ideally for a museum exhibition or similar audience. Include these as PDFs together with your cover letter.
The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Exploratorium Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111
Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs
The Exploratorium is committed to an inclusive workforce.
#J-18808-Ljbffr