Overview

The Civic Science Media Lab is seeking multiple part-time staff members to join our dynamic team to assist in covering the latest developments in civic science research and practice for scientists, founders, funders, leaders, and other decision-makers. We are a civic science journalism investigative newsroom that seeks to understand the civic nature of science around the world. The primary goal is to make the information more accessible, informative, and actionable for the diverse stakeholders who are using civic science to build solutions to benefit society. Our endeavor is journalistic in nature which allows us to pose probing questions to elicit actionable insights.

The flagship project is the Civic Science Television Network (CivicSciTV). 

Learn more about the lab here: https://saicollective.org/media-lab

The Roles we are looking for:

  • Staff Writer/Journalist – Goal: Filing 1-2 written stories per month to be published on the Civic Science Times on various current affairs topics related to civic science.
  • Broadcast Journalist (Anch0r/Correspondent) – Goal: Conduct 2-3 video interviews a month with various stakeholders (e.g) scholars, practitioners, funders, community members, etc) on various timely topics depending on your interests. The following shows on the CivicSciTV Network are searching for co-anchors:
    • Inside Science Policy
    • Changemakers
    • Civic Neuroscience
    • The Newsroom Bulletin
    • Questions of the Day
  • Marketing Manager (website, social media etc) – Goal: Ensure the content being generated across mediums within the lab is showcased on the main website and reaches the audience through our social media accounts (Linkedin & X) and Mailchimp newsletter.
  • At-Large Analyst – Goal: Develop and maintain a deep analytical understanding of the developing civic science landscape in order to provide novel insights in the written and/or broadcast media.
  • Video Editor – Goal: Elevate the storytelling and visual quality of video content produced by the Lab, including interviews, documentaries, and promotional materials for CivicSciTV and other platforms. The Video Editor will work closely with anchors, correspondents, and content creators to craft compelling narratives that engage and inform the audience about critical civic science issues.

The foundation for all the roles:

  1. Analyzing and interpreting publicly available data, publications, reports, etc in specific areas of interest within civic science.
  2. Presenting (written, audio, and/or video) the analysis of findings in an engaging and accessible manner.
  3. For Anchor roles, experience with video editing via Canva is a must.
  4. Interviewing stakeholders to support related civic science stories.
  5. Collaborating with other lab members to create engaging analytical content.
  6. Continuously learn and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in specific areas of interest within civic science.

What we are looking for:

  1. Someone who is VERY inquisitive and not camera shy.
  2. Someone who is a good writer.
  3. Someone who is a voracious reader.
  4. Someone who is not afraid to ask questions.
  5. Prior experience in journalism would be useful.
  6. An active interest and/or experience (as a practitioner, founder, researcher, etc.) within the field of public engagement with science is a must.
  7. Appreciation and understanding of the landscape of civic science.
  8. Expert proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
  9. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and engagingly.
  10. Proven ability to take initiative and work independently.
  11. Passionate about science and its communication to the public.
  12.  Those who are currently in journalism programs or those who have just graduated.
  13. Residence in either Washington DC, Georgia, Virginia, California or Massachusetts is required.

The ideal candidate has an active interest or experience in civic science and has experience working in a collaborative team environment. The candidate is looking for a side gig opportunity to expand their portfolio of work within civic science journalism. The candidate is looking for maximum flexibility to be able to work on their own schedule. We especially welcome those who are currently in journalism programs or those who have just graduated.

The range for all the roles is between $200-500/month and will report to the Director, Dr. Fanuel Muindi.

Application Instructions

Please send your resume to mlab@saicollective.org and indicate the role(s) you are interested in. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted with further instructions on the next step.

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The Civic Science Media Lab is located within the Sai Resident Collective based in Boston, MA.