The Transmitter offers up-to-date news and analysis of the field of neuroscience, with a special focus on basic neuroscience research, and is dedicated to helping scientists at all career stages stay current and build connections.
Our award-winning team is looking for a News Editor to join our newsroom in New York City. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced science journalist to shape and edit news, high-impact scoops and accountability stories that include in-depth, revealing reporting—and are strong contenders in awards competitions.
Reporting to the Managing Editor, the News Editor will work with The Transmitter’s staff and a stable of accomplished freelancers to assign, guide and edit a mix of news, enterprise stories and scoops. The News Editor should have a track record of producing high-impact scoops and award-caliber work. A background or strong interest in basic neuroscience research is essential.
The Transmitter is an initiative of the Simons Foundation but is editorially independent. This is a full-time position based in the Simons Foundation offices in New York City.
We offer a generous salary and truly excellent benefits.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with staff reporters and a stable of accomplished freelancers to develop strong pitches for news and in-depth enterprise stories, profiles and accountability pieces that educate, challenge and inspire our audience of neuroscientists
Assign and edit articles
Help select and manage interns and recruit new freelance reporters
Oversee copyediting and fact-checking process for stories
Ensure diversity in coverage and sourcing
Collaborate with our art director to develop compelling visuals and data-rich graphics for stories
Contribute to editorial planning meetings, helping shape the team’s coverage priorities and story mix
Perform other writing and editing duties or tasks as assigned or required
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a scientific discipline (neuroscience preferred)
An advanced degree in science and/or journalism preferred
Experience
At least five years of news editing experience
Ability to edit articles on complex scientific topics accurately for a specialist audience
Related Skills & Other Requirements
Must be passionate about The Transmitter’s coverage area of basic neuroscience research
Must have exceptional communication and grammar skills (written and verbal)
Collegiality in working with staff and freelance reporters and editors
Ability to collaborate across teams
Must be familiar with and adhere to journalistic ethics
Must be able to write clearly and accurately under tight deadlines
Affinity for trade journalism and The Transmitter’s mission
Familiarity with science policy
Keen sense of news
Strong work ethic and ability to work independently
Attention to detail
Ability to manage tight deadlines and juggle multiple assignments
Social media skills
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
Résumé
Cover letter stating your interest in the position
Five journalistic clips that demonstrate your skill in shaping and editing news, high-impact scoops and accountability stories
COMPENSATION
The full-time annual compensation range for the News Editor is $110,000 to $125,000, depending on experience.
In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.
Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:
Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.
The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in a scientific discipline or neuroscience
- At least five years of news editing experience
- Ability to accurately edit articles on complex scientific topics for a specialist audience
- Exceptional written and verbal communication and grammar skills
- Knowledge of journalistic ethics and familiarity with science policy
- Ability to write clearly and accurately under tight deadlines
- Ability to collaborate across teams and work collegially with reporters and editors
- Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet tight deadlines, and work independently
- Social media skills
- Advanced degree in science and/or journalism
- Passion for basic neuroscience research and affinity for trade journalism
What We Do
The Simons Foundation's mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences, acting as a champion of basic science through grant funding, support for research, and public engagement.
