Fast Facts

We are seeking an On-Call Science Writer who will translate complex scientific concepts into engaging content for various exhibitions and digital projects at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include researching, writing, editing, and collaborating with various teams to develop science content for multiple formats, including exhibitions and social media.

Skills: Candidates must have strong science writing skills, experience translating scientific content for a non-scientist audience, and excellent collaboration abilities.

Qualifications: A BA/BS degree in a scientific field and three years of science writing experience are required, along with a professional portfolio and proven dedication to accuracy and detail.

Location: This position is based in San Francisco, California, with onsite work expected certain days per week.

Compensation: $40 - $40 / Hourly

SUMMARY

Science Writers are responsible for translating complex scientific concepts into accurate, interesting, concise, and audience-appropriate language. Science Writers have a deep understanding of science but are also strong communicators with editorial expertise. This role independently researches, writes, curates, and evaluates science content for exhibition and exhibit labels and signage; digital projects including websites, apps, blogs, and social media; events; projects; and programs. Science Writers collaborate with scientists, artists, teachers, exhibit and digital developers, engineers, and graphic and digital designers. Science Writers contribute ideas to projects and programs, and to contribute their expertise to institutional communication that includes science content. This position reports to the Director of Editorial.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Writing: Research, curate, propose, and vet scientific content; edit, interview, and consistently develop engaging, accurate, and current science content across a variety of projects, with mentorship from Lead Science Writers and the Editorial Department Manager or Director; make timely editorial decisions and exercise creative discernment in shaping ideas
• Collaboration: Work closely with scientists, artists, developers, designers, visitor research and evaluation staff, project leaders, and senior science writers to develop and write content for exhibitions, digital projects, activities, and programs, and to articulate conceptual frameworks for exhibition projects, including organizational structures and storylines
• Iteration: Incorporate feedback and edits from others, revise conceptual documents and rewrite copy based on client feedback
• Perform additional duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree in a scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Three years of professional science writing experience including researching, interviewing, rewriting, editing, and proofreading
• Experience translating complex science content for a non-scientist audience, preferably in a non-profit environment
• A professional portfolio of published pieces and/or museum credits
• A tactful, cooperative attitude when editing, and willingness to be edited by others
• Demonstrated dedication to accuracy and detail; willing to work through multiple revisions of projects
• Talent for collaboration and effective teamwork, and demonstrated ability to work with people at all levels of an organization
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and juggle multiple projects

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position is based in San Francisco, California with staff expected to work onsite a certain number of days per week based on department requirements
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time; utilize general office equipment

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is an on-call position that does not include benefits. On-call positions have varying schedules and are not guaranteed. The starting rate for this role is $40.76 per hour. This rate is step 1 of a 6 step Union pay scale. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.

PROFESSIONAL WRITING SAMPLES REQUIRED. Your cover letter is a writing sample. Find a way to grab our attention, while still maintaining an informal yet professional tone. Also, please send three samples of your science writing, ideally for a museum exhibition or similar audience. Include these as PDFs together with your cover letter. 

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Exploratorium

Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111

Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please

The Exploratorium is committed to an inclusive workforce.