POSITION SUMMARY: The Summer Science Writer produces news features, blog posts, press releases, and multimedia content about important stories emerging from the research and educational activities of the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass. (mbl.edu) Stories are for a variety of external and internal audiences, including local, national, and international media; the public; and the MBL and University of Chicago communities. The commitment to this position is 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (mid-June to mid-August, dates to be determined). The pay is $18/hour. This is a hybrid position; the Summer Science Writer should be on campus in Woods Hole at least 2 days a week. This position supports the MBL Communications Office and reports to the MBL’s Associate Director of Communications.

MAJOR DUTIES: Identify topics, interview sources, and write articles and other content for the MBL’s news site (www.mbl.edu). Create or obtain photography/video to accompany blog posts, press releases, and articles as needed. Learn to post digital content, including working in Drupal and Photoshop. Edit and post content about MBL written by scientists, students, bloggers, etc. Write press releases about MBL research and educational activities; assist with publicizing MBL activities if needed. Working with the MBL’s Digital Media Manager, plan, shoot, and edit a short slideshow or video to accompany a press release or blog post, or to be used as a standalone feature for the MBL’s web site or Development Office. Assist with providing content for MBL’s social media feeds (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) as requested. Undertake other projects to promote MBL science and educational programs as requested.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Must have excellent written, visual, and verbal communication skills; attention to detail and accuracy; an understanding of contemporary biological and environmental science; and experience writing and reporting about science. Also desired: experience with blogging and social networking sites; experience producing video or slideshows for the Web, including use of editing software; and photography skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Highly motivated, deadline-driven graduate student or senior undergraduate at an accredited college or university with substantial coursework directly related to science journalism. Training in biology is highly advantageous.

TO APPLY: In addition to completing the online application, please send (1) Three writing samples (links or PDFs) of work published in print or online in the past three years (no unpublished work , school essays, thesis work or book chapters, please) and

(2) The names and contact information for two references to: Diana Kenney, Associate Director of Communications, Marine Biological Laboratory: dkenney@mbl.edu.

Questions? Please contact Diana at dkenney@mbl.edu; 508-685-3525.