On-Call Reporter

AAAS; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Part time

Job summary

AAAS is seeking an On-Call Reporter to support SciLine by researching topics, interviewing expert sources, and fact-checking content for timely, evidence-based journalism. This remote, part-time role up to 17 hours/week lasts one year through December 2027 with potential extension.

The candidate will pitch ideas, identify scientific angles in news, and help journalists understand what research shows—and what it does not—while assisting in the weekly newsletter and other editorial projects.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience as a professional journalist.
• Experience covering health or science issues or using research to inform reporting.
• Excellent writing skills, including familiarity with AP style.
• Strong research and fact‑checking skills, with the ability to assess scientific evidence.
• Enthusiasm for science, data, and communicating complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and pitch story ideas during weekly editorial meetings.
• Conduct research, interview expert sources, and write articles that help reporters understand what scientific research tells us—and what it does not—about timely topics in the news.
• Identify the scientific context and angles within current news stories to help journalists accurately report on scientific evidence.
• Help journalists avoid errors in interpreting or reporting scientific findings.
• Identify potential story ideas grounded in scientific research and data.
• Fact‑check articles and ensure content is accurate, evidence‑based, and clearly communicated.
• Contribute to SciLine's editorial products by providing research, evidence, and context on timely topics.
• Assist in producing SciLine's weekly newsletter for journalists.
• Support short‑term editorial projects and other reporting and writing assignments as needed.

Skills

Journalistic writing

Science reporting

AP style

Research skills

Fact-checking

Job description

The On-Call Reporter will handle the reporting and writing of SciLine articles aimed at helping journalists access, understand, and incorporate evidence-based research and scientific expertise into their coverage of timely topics in the news. The on‑call, temporary position will report to the Editorial Director and support SciLine's editorial products by providing evidence and context for news coverage. Work will focus on short‑term editorial projects, including researching topics, pitching article ideas, interviewing expert sources, and fact‑checking content. This position is remote and includes duty hours up to 17 hours per week. Exact schedules can be negotiated based on availability and evolving needs. The position term is one year, ending in December 2027, with the opportunity to extend based on mutual needs and interest. This position may be especially attractive to freelance or part‑time journalists seeking supplemental work while leaving space for continued independent reporting opportunities.

What You'll Do

• Participate in and pitch story ideas during weekly editorial meetings.
• Conduct research, interview expert sources, and write articles that help reporters understand what scientific research tells us—and what it does not—about timely topics in the news.
• Identify the scientific context and angles within current news stories to help journalists accurately report on scientific evidence.
• Help journalists avoid errors in interpreting or reporting scientific findings.
• Identify potential story ideas grounded in scientific research and data.
• Fact‑check articles and ensure content is accurate, evidence‑based, and clearly communicated.
• Contribute to SciLine's editorial products by providing research, evidence, and context on timely topics.
• Assist in producing SciLine's weekly newsletter for journalists.
• Support short‑term editorial projects and other reporting and writing assignments as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least two years of experience as a professional journalist.
• Experience covering health or science issues, or using research and data to inform reporting on other topics.
• Excellent writing skills, including familiarity with AP style.
• Strong research and fact‑checking skills, with the ability to assess scientific evidence and identify reliable sources.
• Enthusiasm for science, data, and research, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly to journalistic audiences.

Location and Compensation

This is a remote position . Job candidates must be located in or willing to relocate to a state where AAAS has a business presence.

The anticipated initial rate of compensation for this position is $35.00 per hour.

Equal Opportunity Statement

AAAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.

AAAS uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Approved States

• California
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington