The UW College of the Environment has a science communications fellowship opportunity for Spring-Summer quarters 2020. Science Communications fellows gain skills in science writing and communications. 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. The fellowship runs Spring-Summer quarters April 13 – August 28, 2020.

Eligibility

Graduate students in any field from the University of Washington may apply. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing skills and a good general understanding of and interest in natural science and/or policy. Applicants should have at least some social media experience or be interested in developing their digital content skills. 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. Fellows are also expected to meet regularly with College of the Environment communications staff and to maintain consistent email contact when working off-site.

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 31, 2020. 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 separately.

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.

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 Molly M. McCarthy at mollymm@uw.edu.