Part Time - News Lab Journalist - Communications

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s News Lab seeks student journalists for Fall 2026 / Spring 2027. Positions are wage payroll roles at 10–15 hours per week, ideal for undergraduates who have passed 260W. You will work both independently and with others to cover gaps in PA and on projects with newsrooms across the state and nation.

Weekly meetings and training will support your professional growth. Selected students will join a collaborative newsroom environment, with flexible scheduling often

Qualifications

• Undergraduates who have passed 260W are eligible to apply.
• Weekly editorial meetings and teamwork in reporting projects.
• Meet deadlines and produce professional-quality reportage.

Responsibilities

• Address coverage gaps in Pennsylvania and collaborate with state/national newsrooms.
• Participate in weekly editorial meetings.
• Conduct reportage and produce professional-quality reportage.
• Meet deadlines and participate in trainings to develop professional skills.

Skills

Reporting

Editing

Journalism

Education

260W completed

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Bellisario Media Center is seeking to fill wage payroll positions in the News Lab for reporting projects throughout the Fall 2026/Spring 2027 academic year. Undergraduates who have passed 260W are eligible to apply. Successful candidates will work individually and collaboratively with other members of the News Lab to address coverage gaps in the state of PA and on projects with newsrooms across the state and nation. Student Journalists will participate in weekly editorial meetings, conduct reportage, and work with our editorial team to produce professional-quality reportage and meet deadlines. All newsroom program staff will also participate in a series of trainings to support their professional skills development. Students must be motivated, organized, responsible, and creative. These are approximately 10 to 15 hours per week positions with flexible days and times, often during evenings and weekends.

About the News Lab

The News Lab – an initiative of the Bellisario Media Center -- serves PSU students with professional journalism opportunities and skills training. The News Lab’s team of student journalists produces in-depth and investigative journalism, focused on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and critical coverage gaps at the local and state level. Work produced by the News Lab is published or broadcast by local, state, and national outlets.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Penn State

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.