Deadline: October 31, 2024
The Open Notebook is accepting applications for its 2025 Early-Career Fellowship Program. This part-time, paid fellowship is designed for emerging science journalists. Fellows will work closely with a mentor to plan, report, and write articles for publication at The Open Notebook, while becoming part of the editorial team.
Throughout the year-long program, fellows will hone their skills, explore career interests, and engage in a supportive, diverse community of past and present fellows and mentors. The program, sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, has been empowering science journalists since 2012.
Fellowship Experience
Fellows will pitch, report, and write four pieces, including “story behind the story” interviews and reported features. They’ll have weekly meetings with an experienced science journalist mentor for guidance on story ideas, writing, and reporting, as well as career development. Articles typically undergo several rounds of editing, and fellows will annotate their work for fact-checking and track source diversity.
Fellows will also participate in a Slack discussion group with their cohort, mentors, and editors, and this community connection continues after the fellowship ends.
Stipend
Fellows will receive a $6,600 stipend, paid in four instalments.
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to early-career science journalists, including those outside the U.S. Applicants should have some training or experience writing for the general public and fewer than three years of professional science writing experience. Exceptions may be made for applicants with more than three years of experience if some or all of that experience is not in English.
Selection Criteria
Priority will be given to candidates who:
- Show a strong commitment to becoming a professional science journalist.
- Have experience writing about science for the general public.
- Demonstrate an understanding of science journalism challenges and areas for growth.
- Are familiar with The Open Notebook and its content.
- Can propose suitable story ideas for publication.
- Show strong writing skills and dedication to deadlines.
Application
To apply, submit the following by October 31, 2024, at 4 P.M. EST:
- Answers to questions about your interest in the fellowship and prior experience.
- Two short proposals for potential features or multimedia stories suitable for The Open Notebook.
- A resume or CV.
- One letter of reference from a professor, editor, mentor, or supervisor.
- Up to two writing or multimedia samples aimed at the general public (not academic writing).
Optional: Applicants from historically underrepresented communities in U.S. journalism are encouraged to disclose this information confidentially, though it is not required.
For more information, visit the Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program.
