Logo
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Intern – Science Writing [ SLAC Strategic Communications & External Affairs

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California, United States, 94025


Position overview

Qualifications, skills, and all relevant experience needed for this role can be found in the full description below.The science writing intern works closely with SLAC Strategic Communications & External Affairs and laboratory staff to promote and explain SLAC science and technology. Depending on the intern’s background, skills and interests, projects could include reporting and writing science news articles and features, web and social media content or other public relations efforts. The primary goal of the internship is to provide hands-on experience in science communications/public relations at a national laboratory.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is a multipurpose laboratory and one of 10 national laboratories under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Strategic Communications & External Affairs seeks to communicate the vitality and breadth of science at the laboratory. Working closely with SLAC staff, the Office drives SLAC’s internal and external communication efforts and promotes the laboratory’s mission through effective and compelling communications to a wide range of audiences including the general public, press and media, educators, congressional representatives, funding agencies and members of the local community.

Internship project examples:

News features on SLAC scientific publications:

interview researchers on results of published studies, develop news articles for the SLAC website according to established editorial processes/policies, work with SLAC graphic design and multimedia to develop visual content to illustrate articles.

Explainer articles on SLAC science and technology:

interview staff/scientists on topics of interest to general audiences about the science and technology of SLAC, develop explainer stories for the SLAC website according to established editorial processes/policies, work with SLAC graphic design and multimedia to develop visual content to illustrate articles.

Content for SLAC web/social media sites:

work with SLAC Strategic Communications & External Affairs and lab staff to identify appropriate content for SLAC web/social media sites according to established editorial processes/policies, work with SLAC graphic design and multimedia to develop visual content to illustrate articles.

The science writer internship will be a hybrid, part-time position that will be embedded in regular content meetings and publication calendars through the Strategic Communications & External Affairs. The intern will be supervised by the Managing Editor of the External Communications team and mentored by staff science communications staff and editors. All projects will be agreed upon in advance with clear methods, objectives and goals.

Note : This is an hourly, non-benefits eligible temporary-nonexempt summer student position (work at 50% full-time equivalent or more), not to exceed 980 hours in six consecutive months. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age, currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated, and have US work authorization.

To be successful you will bring:

Must be enrolled in a degree program in communications, public relations, journalism, or scientific field with significant writing/editing/public relations experience.

Experience writing and editing, preferably on topics involving science and/or technology (must provide examples of writing and editing).

Ability to translate complex topics into terms easily understandable by broad audiences, including employees, public and policymakers.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Writing, editing, interviewing, proofreading, and project management skills.

Familiarity with AP style, and ability to follow style guides.

Ability to work and communicate effectively in both scientific and non-technical settings.

Ability to work under deadlines and within established editorial protocols.

Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Familiarity with word processing and Web content management systems.

SLAC Employee Competencies:

Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.

Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.

Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.

Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.

Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.

Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.

Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and Working conditions:

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Given the nature of this position, SLAC is open to hybrid and onsite work options.

Work standards:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.

#J-18808-Ljbffr