Science Friday Initiative
160 Varick St, 7th Fl, New York, New York, 10013, United States
Phone: 2128402244
Location: New York, New York, United States
Job Category: Radio
Employment Type: Full time
Salary: $60,000 - $78,000 per year
Posted: 07.01.2026
Job Description
As an Associate Producer at Science Friday, you’ll translate important science news and research into engaging audio conversations. We’re looking for a creative, curious producer with experience reporting on science, health, and technology who is excited about investigating topics ranging from vaccine policy to lunar missions. Qualified candidates have a background in radio or podcasts, editing audio in a news environment, and a passion for sourcing new voices and diverse guests for our show. They should be comfortable managing a production calendar, meeting deadlines, and juggling multiple production tasks simultaneously. Success in this role will require planning ahead, enjoying experimentation, and welcoming new ideas and feedback.
As a member of the Audio team, you’ll work closely with hosts, editors, and audio colleagues to produce our daily podcast and weekly radio show. Your responsibilities include pitching and researching stories, pre-interviewing and booking guests, managing recordings, sourcing relevant audio clips, writing scripts and questions, editing audio for length, clarity, and spark, and writing web copy to accompany your segments. You’ll also collaborate with the Audience team on social posts, video, newsletter content, and public engagement. Your schedule will involve pitching, producing, and editing one or two segments (12‑17 minute conversations) each week.
Reports to: Director of News and Audio
Location: Remote or hybrid. Applicants based in the greater NYC area are preferred, but remote applicants are welcome. All full‑time employees are required to work from the New York City office or studio for a minimum of 24 days per year.
Type: Full‑time, exempt. This role includes benefits such as medical, dental, vision insurance, paid vacation, sick time, parental leave, 401K, mental health support, and more.
Key Responsibilities
- Producing and editing one or more segments per week
- Pitching segment ideas, and taking assignments
- Managing daily calendar to meet production deadlines
- Collaborating closely with editor, hosts, and other teammates
- Researching and pre‑interviewing potential guests
- Preparing research documents for hosts
- Writing scripts and segment questions for the hosts
- Writing host and station promo copy
- Properly citing sources and checking facts to maintain credibility
- Cutting and editing segments to elicit joy and curiosity
- Engaging and collaborating with outside consultants like sensitivity editors when appropriate
- Participating in post‑mortems to learn from each other and constantly improve work
- Troubleshooting basic technical issues
Cross‑functional Tasks
- Brainstorming and collaborating with the Audience team on digital builds for segment pages, including addition of multimedia content
- Working with the Audience team to develop social media assets to support the radio show and podcast
- Representing Science Friday at national and international conferences and events
- Monthly expense reporting
- Attendance at occasional board meetings, as available
- Engaging with donors and audience members through social, newsletters, and events
Qualifications
Required
- A minimum of 1‑2 years of experience covering science or related beats – preferably on radio or podcast
- Bachelor’s degree, with journalism education or equivalent experience
- Excellent ear for audio; appreciation as listener and creator for the audio world
- Audio production, editing, and mixing skills. Experience with ProTools, Descript, Riverside, or equivalent programs
- Willingness to experiment with structure, show construction, and new tools
- Receptiveness to feedback and openness to dialogue about strengths and opportunities to grow
- Detail‑oriented and comfortable with organizational tasks
- Able to manage deadlines; focused
- Strong communicator – in person, in print, and in Google comment threads
- Passion for science, tech, and media, and great instincts about the stories that will resonate with our audience
- Ability to find new angles on science stories and science angles on the news
- Excellent writing skills, flair for language
- Curiosity about how the world works
- Ability to vet scientists and expert guests
- Experience reading scientific literature
- Tenacity and patience to dig into complex subjects and refine stories multiple times to achieve the best results
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team‑based environment
- Persistence in fact‑checking scientific information and tracking down expert perspectives
- Basic fluency in social media – repurpose and promote audio projects across web and social platforms
- Willingness and ability to travel for work and occasionally work evenings or weekends to support live events and coverage needs
- Deep commitment to journalistic ethics and the mission of public media
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future
Preferred Experience
- Radio/podcast experience at the national level
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