Marine Biological Laboratory

Summer/Temp Staff - Summer Science Writer/Digital Media Assistant Job category: Temporary/Seasonal Supervisor: Samantha Cummis Requisition number: SUMME001921 Full-time Hybrid Rate: $18 USD per hour MBL MA Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA Description Position Summary The Summer Science Writer and Digital Media Assistant produces news features, news briefs, press releases, social media posts, and multimedia content about important stories emerging from the research and educational activities of the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass. (mbl.edu) Stories are for a variety of external and internal audiences, including local, national, and international media; the public; and the MBL community. The commitment to this position is 40 hours a week for 8 weeks (late June-August, dates flexible). This is a hybrid position; the Summer Science Writer and Digital Media Assistant should be on campus in Woods Hole at least 2 days a week. This position supports the MBL Communications Office and reports to the MBL’s Director of Communications. Basic Qualifications Identify topics, interview sources, and write articles, press releases, and news briefs for the MBL’s news site (www.mbl.edu). Create or obtain photography/video to accompany your stories as needed. Learn to post content on MBL’s website, including working in Drupal and Photoshop. Distill your content into social media posts for distribution on MBL’s social media channels. Assist in providing other content for MBL’s social media feeds (Facebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn) as needed. Optional: Plan, shoot, and edit a short slideshow or video to accompany a press release or news story, or to be used as a standalone feature for the MBL’s web site or Development Office. Undertake other tasks to promote MBL science and educational programs as requested. Must have excellent written, visual, and verbal communication skills; attention to detail and accuracy; an understanding of contemporary biological and environmental science; and experience writing and reporting about science. Experience with social media sites, producing video or slideshows for the Web, and basic photography skills preferred. Preferred Qualifications • Highly motivated, deadline-driven graduate student or senior undergraduate at an accredited college or university with substantial coursework related to science journalism. Training in biology is highly advantageous.