On-Call Reporter

American Association for the Advancement; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

The On-Call Reporter position at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (SciLine) focuses on supporting journalists with evidence-based science coverage. You will help research topics, interview experts, and provide context to improve reporting on timely science topics.

This remote, part-time role reports to the Editorial Director, handles short-term editorial projects, and offers flexible weekly schedules through December 2027 with potential extensions.

Qualifications

• At least two years of professional journalism experience.
• Experience covering health or science issues or using research data in reporting.
• Strong writing skills with AP style familiarity.
• Excellent research and fact-checking abilities.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to journalism audiences.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and pitch story ideas during weekly editorial meetings.
• Research topics, interview expert sources, and write articles for eyewitness coverage.
• Identify scientific context and angles in current news stories to aid accurate reporting.
• Help journalists avoid errors in interpreting or reporting findings.
• Identify story ideas grounded in scientific research and data.
• Fact-check articles and ensure content is accurate and evidence-based.
• Contribute research, evidence, and context to SciLine’s editorial products.
• Assist in producing SciLine’s weekly newsletter for journalists.
• Support short-term projects and other writing assignments as needed.

Skills

Journalism experience

AP style

Research

Fact-checking

Clear science communication

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.

Help us ignite the next era of science.

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. Please review the approved states list* below to confirm eligibility. If you have any questions, please contact our Talent Team at [e-mail] .

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

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of AAAS and will be based on a variety of factors, including years of experience, depth of experience, and other relevant factors. AAAS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.

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
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Washington

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.