Science News Internship

Society for Science & the Public; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading science journalism organization in Washington, D.C. offers a full-time paid internship in science writing. Interns will work under experienced staff, generating story ideas and writing news articles. This internship is for those planning careers in science journalism, and candidates should have a background in science or journalism. Successful interns may participate in various aspects of journalism, such as fact-checking and social media engagement. The position runs for 10-12 weeks with flexible start dates available.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a background in science and an understanding of journalism.
• Successful applicants include those completing an advanced degree in journalism or science.
• Experience in journalism transitioning to a science specialty is valued.
• This is a paid internship.

Responsibilities

• Interns generate story ideas, report and write news stories for the website.
• Opportunity to be involved in fact-checking, social media and multimedia.
• Work with Science News' sister publication aimed at middle school students.

Skills

Background in science

Understanding of journalism

Strong writing skills

Editing basics

Education

Advanced degree in journalism with emphasis in science writing

Advanced degree in science

Job description

Science News, the award-winning magazine covering all fields of science for a general readership, is now accepting applications for its science writing internships.

Interns work as full-time science journalists under the guidance of Science News staff. Based in Washington, D.C., Science News reports on new scientific findings and trends, as well as the science behind the news. Interns generate many of their own story ideas, reporting and writing news stories for the daily website on a variety of topics and in a variety of formats. Interns may also have the opportunity to get involved with other aspects of science journalism, including fact checking, social media, multimedia and working with Science News’ sister publication aimed at middle school students, Science News Explores.

Former Science News interns have gone on to staff positions with the New York Times, the Washington Post, Science, Nature, Health, NOVA, Discover, Popular Science, U.S. News & World Report, Scientific American, ABC television, the Associated Press, the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Jose Mercury News and Science News, among others.

The internship runs for a 10- to 12-week period and is offered three times a year: spring (January to April), summer (June to September) and fall (October to December). The position is full-time and based in Washington, D.C. Start dates are flexible. One applicant will be selected for each period.

The internship is intended for people planning careers in science journalism. A background in a science and an understanding of journalism is a plus. Successful candidates include, but are not limited to, those completing an advanced degree in journalism with an emphasis in science writing, skilled writers working toward an advanced degree in one of the sciences, or experienced journalists in transition to a science specialty. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. This is a paid internship.

Materials must be received by:

• January 12, 2026 (summer 2026 internship)
• June 8, 2026 (fall 2026 internship)
• October 5, 2026 (spring 2027 internship)

Applicants should e-mail attachments of a cover letter, résumé, names of three references and PDFs of three recent science writing clips to:

The Society for Science is committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. We welcome applicants regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age.