Science has an exciting opportunity for a paid summer internship with our News Department. The Diverse Voices in Science Journalism (DVSJ) Internship offers undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in science journalism the opportunity to learn multiple facets of the trade. Working closely with editors and reporters at Science, the largest interdisciplinary science journal in the world, interns will participate in all aspects of the news operation, including online, print, and digital media products.

The program especially aims to train those from, and with a commitment to covering, communities that have historically been underrepresented in science journalism. We aim to expand access to the profession and build capacity to report on scientific issues to a general audience. We invite anyone with a demonstrable interest in issues of diversity in science to apply. We strongly encourage applications from students who are members of historically excluded racial and ethnic communities, are sexual minorities, immigrants, first-generation college students, who have disabilities, are neurodivergent or have other identities not listed here and that are not regularly represented in science journalism.

Experience what it’s like to cover the scientific and technological issues that shape our global community.

Find out more at aaas.org/dvsj. For specific questions about your eligibility or the application process, please contact Shraddha Chakradhar, DVSJ coordinator, at schakradhar@aaas.org.

What You’ll Do

• Report and write for Science's daily online news site, the weekly print magazine, and various digital media products such as Science’s Instagram page and newsletter, ScienceAdviser.
• Cover science-related events in and around the Washington, D.C. area, including press conferences and briefings, congressional hearings and other legislative activities, meetings at various federal agencies, and workshops and conferences on a range of scientific topics.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, community college or graduate journalism program. Current students not enrolled in a formal journalism program but having some journalism experience are also invited to apply, as are those who will graduate in the spring of 2024.
• A dual major or a minor in a scientific discipline may be advantageous but is not required.
• Preference will be given to applicants who have reported and written news articles on scientific subjects or on technical issues. Such experiences include writing for campus newspapers, university publications, radio stations, online publications, and other media outlets, or interning at another news organization.

Application Process

• Interested candidates should submit a resume, two news writing samples, and an applicant questionnaire by Friday, January 5, 2024.
• If you are unable to upload your documents with your application (for example, if your documents are too large or you have multiple files), please e-mail all your materials — preferably in a single PDF — directly to jobs@aaas.org with the subject line, “DVSJ Internship – Application Materials: [Your Full Name]”.
• Writing samples should be examples of journalism or other reported pieces intended for a general audience. Stories relating to research or other matters relating to the scientific community are preferred. Please do not include examples of technical writing (i.e., scientific manuscripts). Writing samples should be sent as PDFs or Word files, not as URLs.
• Please also fill out the attached questionnaire. The questionnaire aims to learn about your skillset and your goals for the DVSJ program, as well as about how you represent the kind of person this internship aims to train and your commitment to extending the reach of science journalism into communities where there is currently limited participation. The questionnaire also asks for the names of two references — ideally people who are familiar with your journalism work.

Internship Details

This is an 11-week internship, which will run from approximately June 3, 2024 – August 20, 2024. While we continuously monitor COVID-19, our plan is to host summer internships in a hybrid work model. The internship will be based out of our Washington, D.C. office, with both remote and in-person work expected each week.

Please note that interns are expected to attend an in-person orientation and wrap-up session with AAAS Mass Media Fellows. The orientation will run June 5-7, 2024, and the wrap-up is scheduled for August 19-20, 2024.

The anticipated compensation for this position is $19.50 per hour. AAAS will pay for one round-trip to and from Washington at the start and end of the internship. Interns are also eligible for SmarTrip transit benefits, which can be used on the regional subway and bus systems.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of AAAS and will be based on a variety of factors, including years of experience, depth of experience, and other relevant factors.   AAAS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.

AAAS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category. AAAS uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.  No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

How to apply: 

Submit a resume, candidate questionnaire and writing samples by January 5, 2024. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A recruiter will contact you with next steps if you are selected for an interview.