Description

GSA Science Communication Fellowship

Application Deadline: 31 May 2024

Term of Employment: 1 July 2024–30 May 2025 (11 months, part-time)

Location: The Geological Society of America (GSA) is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, but our Fellow may work remotely from any U.S. location. (No relocation assistance is available.) Work will be conducted primarily via telephone and computer, with required travel to Anaheim, CA, USA, for the GSA Connects 2024 meeting, 22-25 September 2024 and to Washington, D.C. for Geosciences Congressional Visits Day.

Pay: The Fellow will receive $8,800 in compensation plus paid travel to Anaheim and Washington, D.C., (expenses and accommodations) as noted above.

Description: The Science Communication Fellowship offered by the Geological Society of America provides a dynamic eleven-month journey for science writers, journalists, or scientists passionate about sharing their knowledge. Participants will immerse themselves in an enriching environment, working closely with GSA's marketing and communications team and leading members to hone their skills and expand their professional networks. This fellowship is an extraordinary chance to engage deeply with the scientific community and enhance one's communicative impact to the non-scientific community.

With funding from the GSA Foundation's Bruce and Karen Clark fund, the goal of the Fellowship is to help improve communication of geoscience knowledge between the members of GSA and the non-scientific community. 

Fellowship candidates should understand how to interview authors to capture the significance of their work for non-scientific audiences and translate technical research papers into well-developed and compelling content including press releases, blog articles, and podcasts.

The Fellow will assist in developing a content calendar that will feature various mediums and cadence of content for the duration of the Fellowship term, which will be selected from the Society’s top-rated, peer-reviewed geoscience journals and from abstracts submitted by scientists to the extensive technical program for the GSA Annual Meeting.

The Fellow will also help staff the onsite Newsroom at the GSA Annual Meeting, assist members of the media covering the meeting, pitch stories to local and national media outlets, interview innovative and newsworthy science authors, and mentor student interns considering a career in science communication.

• Technical Requirements: A reliable computer, internet connection, and proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Documents.
• Copywriting Skills: Exceptional grammar and vocabulary for crafting and editing high-quality content.
• Judgment and Discretion: Ability to handle sensitive issues with maturity and tact.
• Attention to Detail: Strong fact-checking skills with a proactive approach to follow-up.
• Organizational Ability: Efficient multitasking and capacity to work under occasional time constraints.
• Communication and Networking: Comfortable reaching out to authors and media, and skilled at making professional connections.
• Geoscience Knowledge: Familiarity with geoscience concepts, terminology, practices, and procedures is a plus.
• Social Media Experience: Experience in social media communications and a well-established science network are desirable.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, and writing sample. After the application period closes, interviews will be conducted by phone or video conference.

Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the Geological Society of America. We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.

EEO/AAE/M/F/D/V

Qualifications