Science Journalism Fellowship

The Cancer Letter; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading publication in cancer research is seeking a Science Journalism Fellow. This remote role offers a unique opportunity for early- to mid-career journalists to develop their skills in healthcare journalism, with mentorship from experienced reporters. The fellow will cover significant meetings, enhance their news judgment, and gain valuable contacts in the field. This is a full-time position with excellent benefits, including unlimited PTO and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Health insurance

401k with company match

Generous PTO policy

Qualifications

• Interest in healthcare and policy issues.
• Interest in investigative journalism.

Responsibilities

• Develop stories aligned with publication needs.
• Cover meetings at FDA, NIH, and congressional hearings.
• Assist in research, editing, and layout for a weekly magazine.

Skills

Research

Writing

Storytelling

Education

BA/BS degree

Job description

Join to apply for the Science Journalism Fellowship role at The Cancer Letter.

Direct message the job poster from The Cancer Letter.

Leadership, organizational change, & efficiency | Strategy, business development, finance, & operations @ The Cancer Letter

For over 50 years, The Cancer Letter has been the leading source of information on cancer research, drug development, health care policy, and funding. Our readership includes academic oncology, pharmaceutical companies, professional societies, patient advocacy organizations, and federal agencies such as NIH, NCI, and FDA. We have received numerous journalism awards for investigative coverage that impacts public policy and saves lives.

The Cancer Letter is a subscription-only, independent weekly publication based in Washington, DC, with a circulation of nearly 100,000. We are a small, collaborative team.

We are seeking a versatile and driven science/health care journalist to join our team. This role is ideal for someone early- to mid-career, who values good writing and strong research, and is eager to grow in their career and explore oncology broadly.

We also run theCancer History Project, a free archive for the history of oncology.

Location:

This is a remote role, with a preference for candidates residing in DC, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

Salary:

The salary for this role is $51,000.

Dates:

1-year fellowship with potential for a permanent position.

Full-Time:

40-hour workweek, excellent benefits, unlimited PTO, and professional development opportunities.

The Fellowship Year

The Cancer Letter is committed to training the next generation of science journalists through this fellowship. We seek candidates passionate about healthcare, policy, storytelling, precise writing, and research.

Fellows will gain extensive experience in healthcare journalism, mentored by top investigative reporters. No medical background is required. This is a paid, full-time position with benefits.

You will:

• Develop stories aligned with publication needs and your interests
• Cover meetings at FDA, NIH, NCI, and congressional hearings
• Enhance news judgment, call sources, and build contacts in healthcare policy and business
• Compile news briefs
• Perform news aide tasks
• Assist in research, editing, copy-editing, and layout for a weekly magazine
• Receive mentorship from award-winning investigative reporters

By the end, you will have clips, co-writes, a deep understanding of oncology and healthcare policy, contacts, and the skills to cover complex stories.

Past fellows often secure permanent positions and have won journalism awards during their fellowship.

Requirements:

• BA/BS degree
• Interest in healthcare and policy issues
• Interest in investigative journalism

Nice to have:

• Journalism, science, or pre-med background (helpful but not required)
• Health insurance
• 401k with company match
• Generous PTO policy

Investment policy: Staff cannot directly invest in pharmaceutical or cancer-related data companies.

Remote logistics: We are authorized to employ in Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and DC. Applicants outside these states may apply but will be prioritized if within these regions.

Hiring process: Applications reviewed starting May 19, with rolling reviews. The process includes three interview rounds.

Additional info:

• Seniority level: Internship
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Research, Analysis, IT
• Industry: Newspaper Publishing