Assistant Editor, Science News

Science News Media Group is looking for an Assistant Editor to join the team producing our award-winning flagship print magazine, Science News, and help advance our mission of connecting the public with accurate, engaging news of the latest in science, medicine and technology — a mission that is more important than ever before.

Science News Media Group is an editorially independent nonprofit news organization that has been covering news of science, medicine and technology for the general public since 1921. The magazine has a circulation of more than 120,000, and we draw almost 10 million unique visitors a year to sciencenews.org. Science News consistently ranks as the most reliable and least biased science news organization in Ad Fontes Media’s biannual analysis. We also publish Science News Explores, a website and print magazine that connects younger people and educators with science.

Our parent nonprofit Society for Science is dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, access to STEM education and scientific research. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, the Society promotes the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. Beyond journalism, the Society is best known for its world class science research competitions and outreach and equity STEM Programs founded to make sure that every young person can strive to become an engineer or scientist.

Position Overview

The Assistant Editor will work closely with the managing editor, research & special projects editor and features editor to develop content for the print magazine and manage the production process. Primary responsibilities include proofreading articles for style and grammar; assigning and editing reviews; fact-checking; writing magazine content; playing a key role on press day; and working with the digital team to adapt print-first content for our website and social media platforms. The Assistant Editor will also provide administrative support such as tracking corrections, editing board reports and submitting our stellar journalism for awards.

Our ideal candidate has strong writing and editing skills, can handle a wide range of styles and topics, is aware of trends across all fields of science and is eager to learn more. We value strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and the ability to contribute to a fast-paced environment as an individual and as part of a team.

You’ll be joining a group of creative, inquisitive people who come to science journalism from a diversity of backgrounds, education and experience. We’re constantly experimenting to better serve our millions of readers, while also remaining true to our mission as independent nonprofit journalists.

Job Responsibilities

  • Fortify the print production process, ensuring we meet press deadlines
  • Proofread and fact-check articles
  • Write magazine content as assigned
  • Assign, and edit reviews for each issue; maintain an editorial calendar for reviews
  • Produce print-first content in a WordPress CMS
  • Provide administrative support to the Editor in Chief and Managing Editor
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Skilled journalist with an understanding of science and how to communicate it to the general public
  • Excellent editing and copyediting skills, including proficiency in AP Style
  • Organized and attentive to detail
  • Able to work collegially under deadline pressures
  • Knowledge of Adobe suite products including InCopy and InDesign
  • Familiarity with AirTable is a plus
  • Knowledge of WordPress

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; an advanced degree in science and/or journalism preferred
  • At least 2 years of editing experience required; experience in science, medicine or technology is a plus
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

Supervisory Responsibility

No supervisory responsibility.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations in Washington, D.C. The Society is currently operating on a hybrid work schedule.

Position Type and Expected Hours

This is a full-time (37.5 hr/wk), exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during normal office hours of the Society. The normal business hours of the Society are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, with core hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST.

Salary

The salary range is $62,000-$64,350

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.

Additional Eligibility Information

Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees coming into the office and attending Society events. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position please upload a professional resume and cover letter that articulates your vision for the future of print journalism.

Please apply through ApplicantPro: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/societyforscience/jobs/4063612-560497

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

The Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Society for Science is committed to equal employment opportunity.  In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.