Contributing Science Policy Correspondent

Civic Science Media Lab; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 227,304 - 323,736; Part time

Job summary

A civic science media organization is seeking a Contributing Science Policy Correspondent in San Francisco to report on developments in the science policy landscape. The role involves interviewing experts, analyzing reports, and writing clear stories for publication. Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of science policy and some journalism experience. Compensation for articles is around $200 for approximately 800 words, with flexible timelines for story proposals.

Qualifications

• Knowledgeable about the science policy landscape.
• Experience in journalism or related fields.
• Ability to synthesize information from varied sources.

Responsibilities

• Interview scientists and science policy practitioners.
• Analyze reports and track developments in policy.
• Produce well-sourced stories on science policy changes.

Skills

Understanding of the science policy landscape

Journalism experience

Interviewing skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Job description

The Civic Science Media Lab is seeking its first Contributing Science Policy Correspondent to report on the latest developments across the science policy landscape. The correspondent will investigate new programs, funding opportunities, institutional initiatives, and emerging organizations shaping the field. The goal of this role is to help science policy practitioners stay informed about evolving priorities, structures, and opportunities within the science policy ecosystem.

Responsibilities

Interviewing scientists and science policy practitioners, analyzing new reports and publications, and tracking developments across policy institutions and funding programs. The correspondent will also synthesize insights from outlets such as the Journal of Science Policy and Governance and related publications or events to produce clear, well-sourced stories that help practitioners understand what is changing in the field and how those changes may affect their work.

Writing for the Civic Science Observer, the contributing Science Policy correspondent will join the broader Civic Science Media Lab collective, a growing network of independent civic science journalists documenting different parts of the rapidly changing civic science landscape. Members of the collective maintain their own thematic beats and work with the director to identify developments, trends, and stories worth investigating.

Correspondents propose stories they wish to pursue on their own timelines, and accepted pitches move forward to publication depending on editorial priorities and funding availability. Commissioned articles are typically compensated at around $200 for a well-sourced article of approximately 800 words. The ideal candidate is knowledgeable about the science policy landscape and has some experience in journalism.

Application

Interested candidates should send their CV or résumé and include a short paragraph in the body of the email explaining their interest in the role and any relevant experience covering or working within science policy.