Science News Reporter/Writer - American Institute of Physics

WHO WE ARE: 

The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is a federation of 10 Member Societies which together have nearly 120,000 members across the globe. Founded in 1931, AIP is a federation that advances the success of our Member Societies and an institute that engages in research and analysis to empower positive change in the physical sciences. Our overarching strategy is to advance the physical sciences with a unifying voice of strength from diversity.  We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team! 

SUMMARY: 

AIP is seeking a dynamic News Reporter/Writer to join the Content and Engagement team. The News Reporter/Writer will produce a range of content for the audiences of Physics Today in print and online. The work primarily involves identifying, reporting, and writing news and feature-length pieces on topics within the physical sciences, the scientific community, and the intersection with broader society, taking advantage of online opportunities for digital storytelling. It may also involve editing articles and partnering with other teams at AIP to create new types of content, including data- and visual-driven stories. Like all writers and editors on the Physics Today team, the science news reporter/writer is responsible for developing a deep understanding of the physical sciences community and of PT’s audiences and their evolving information needs, in order to assure that PT’s content is highly relevant, valuable, and in line with its mission to provide a unifying force for the physical sciences. Engaging with and responding to audiences is thus a key part of this role.

Come join a team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals and help make a difference through the physical sciences! 

WHAT YOU’LL DO: 

•  Write engaging, informative news and analysis stories, ranging from briefs to feature-length, on topics of relevance to the physics community and to Physics Today’s audiences.

• Pitch story ideas. Evaluate potential stories for appropriateness, importance, variety, and appeal. Position stories within their broader context for PT’s audiences. Help ensure that PT stories span the full gamut of topics across the physical sciences community.

• Identify and utilize opportunities for digital storytelling.

• Work with other teams within AIP, including FYI, Statistical Research, and others, to identify collaboration opportunities and new content types, such as data-driven and interactive pieces.

• Edit internally and externally authored pieces as assigned.

• Through conferences, lab visits, and other means, engage with PT’s audiences.

• Contribute to and advance the overall editorial effort of Physics Today.  

WHAT YOU’LL BRING: 

•   A graduate degree in physics or related science or in journalism.

• At least 5 years’ experience as reporter or editor at a newspaper or a news or science magazine.

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and analyze news developments for an intelligent science readership.

• Demonstrable talent for writing and explaining complex physics-related issues, events, and research to a wide audience of scientists.

• Ability to meet the highest journalistic standards for reporting, accuracy, and writing.

• Ability to work well with others, both inside and outside the organization.

• Ability to multitask, handle multiple assignments and priorities, and meet deadlines.  
  TO APPLY: 

Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description; at AIP we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences. 
WHY JOIN US: 

AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC, as needed.  Employees are required toreside in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC. 

We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more. 

Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work. 
ABOUT AIP: 

The American Institute of Physics is a dynamic, forward-thinking 501(c)(3) membership corporation of scientific societies. Our mission is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. AIP is a trusted and reliable source of information and analysis and is a center of excellence that advances the physical sciences enterprise through research and analysis aimed at improving the understanding of our heritage and promoting future progress. 

Diversity welcome! Diversity is integral to our mission and is ingrained in everything that we do at AIP. We encourage and invite people of all backgrounds to apply and join our team. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, creed, marital status, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, personal appearance, national origin, ancestry, protected veteran status, or physical or mental disability. 
  

AIP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer   
EOE, including disability/Vets