The University of Washington College of the Environment has two openings for a science communications fellowship Spring/Summer quarters 2022. College of the Environment Science Communications fellows gain skills in science writing, storytelling and general communication strategies. Fellows may write features for the College website, develop social media content or develop their own multimedia projects to connect people with science that matters. Along the way, they build portfolios that help them gain recognition as writers and communicators who can break down the barriers between scientific information and public understanding.

Eligibility

Graduate students in any field from the University of Washington may apply. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing skills, a good general understanding of and interest in natural science and/or policy. The selection committee will consider writing samples, related experience and studies, references and the relevance of the fellowship to future career goals. Samples do not have to be from an academic source and references do not have to be from an academic instructor but could be from another reputable source. The fellowship is open to graduate students only.

Award

Fellows receive a $3,400 stipend and are expected to work an average of 10 hours per week remotely and in the office. Fellows are also expected to meet regularly with College of the Environment communications staff in person via online check-ins and to maintain consistent email contact while working offsite.

Application deadline

Applications for the College of the Environment Science Communication Fellowship are due to Washington Sea Grant by 5:00 p.m. PST on March 30, 2022. Finalists for the fellowship will be selected and interviewed in early April. Reference letters may be sent with the applications as part of the application package or sent separately-either way works fine.

Note: Applications for the College of the Environment Science Communication Fellowship and the Washington Sea Grant Science Communication Fellowship will be considered concurrently in a joint selection process. Applicants may apply to both opportunities with one application but must note clearly on the cover letter that they are applying for both and why they qualify.

Fellowship dates

Spring-Summer Quarters: April 16 – Aug 27, 2022

Application requirements

1. A cover letter (500 words or less) explaining your qualifications for the fellowship and describing how the experience supports your long-term goals.
2. Two to three writing samples.
3. A two-page resume that includes any publications, any personal or work/volunteer-related social media channels that you’ve managed and any experience working or volunteering on a communications team.
4. Two letters of reference, including one from your professor, instructor or academic advisor.
5. Unofficial copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

Fellowship selection and placement process

Applications should be submitted electronically to sgfellow@uw.edu or by mail to:

ENV Science Communications Fellowship
Washington Sea Grant
3716 Brooklyn Avenue, NE
Seattle, WA 98105-6716

For additional information, contact John Meyer at jjmeyer@uw.edu.