Science Writing Fall Internship

Job Description

We Are: Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and at locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, and the South Pole. We are strategic risk takers, innovators, and collaborators. We are engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals. We are 1,800 employees advancing knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Fermilab has been at the forefront of particle physics for more than 40 years. We build world-leading accelerators and detectors to conduct some of the most advanced particle physics experiments possible. We collect and analyze the data from those experiments with some of the most powerful computers in the world. We conduct this research on a 6,800-acre prairie, 35 miles outside Chicago, a treasure that has been designated a National Environmental Research Park. The Fermilab Office of Communication science writing internship provides the opportunity to write for Fermilab’s online publications, including press releases and feature articles. Jointly with SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Fermilab also publishes Symmetry, an online magazine about the science, people and culture of particle physics.
Interns may also write for other laboratory publications and Fermilab’s websites. We also give interns the opportunity to assist with media events, social media and general public relations activities. You will:

• write Fermilab news and feature articles, website content and other content as needed
• write features for Symmetry, an online particle physics magazine
• participate in communication meetings
• expand your knowledge of particle physics and related science and engineering fields

We are looking for:

• recent graduates of a science-writing or journalism program or recent undergraduates with a degree in English, journalism, communications or science.
• 0-2 years of science writing experience.
• ability to research, interview, write and edit science news stories and other nontechnical science communication materials.
• interest in science and science writing and an enthusiasm for learning about new subjects with respect to the scientific world.
• excellent writing and organization skills.
• excellent interpersonal skills for effective interaction with scientists, the public and the media.
• ability to work well under pressure, meet regular deadlines and juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
• skill in the use of computers and standard software and the ability to navigate and use the internet.
• willingness to respect, understand and value individual differences that embody laboratory principles of diversity and inclusion.

Application requirements: Do NOT exit the application until you submit ALL requirements. Before you start your application please have all requirements ready. You will not be allowed to make any changes after you exit the application. Upload ALL requirements under the RESUME section.

• Resume
• Three writing samples, published or unpublished
• Cover letter

Internship details:
Application Period: July 7-23, 2023
Acceptance Period: late July/early August 2023
Program Dates: Approximately Sept. 5-Dec. 15, 2023
Salary: Approximately $800 weekly
Location: May be remote or on-site
Housing: Housing is not provided or arranged by the program. Request information on affordable housing options by emailing Internships@fnal.gov.
Transportation: Transportation is not provided or arranged by the program. Request rental car information by emailing Internships@fnal.gov.
Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is essential to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non-merit factor.