POSITION SUMMARY
The Transmitter offers news and analysis of the field of neuroscience and is dedicated to helping scientists at all career stages stay current and build connections.
Our award-winning news team is looking for an enthusiastic trade journalist to join our
lively newsroom in New York City. This is an excellent opportunity for a science journalist
to develop a beat in the fast-moving field of neuroscience.
The reporter/senior reporter will write news and feature articles that educate, challenge
and inspire our audience of neuroscientists. The reporter will cultivate sources, embed in
the research community and be the first to know about trends and provocative advances
in basic neuroscience research. A background or strong interest in neuroscience,
cognition and behavior is essential.
The Transmitter is funded by the Simons Foundation but is editorially independent. This
is a full-time position based in the Simons Foundation offices in New York City.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
● Pitch, report and write news and in-depth enterprise stories, profiles and long-form
features that educate, challenge and inspire our audience of neuroscientists
● Monitor the latest research, news and trends in basic neuroscience
● Cultivate a deep network of sources, embed yourself in the research community,
and be the first to know about trends and provocative advances
● Work with our art director to develop art ideas for stories
● Travel occasionally to attend and report from scientific meetings and conferences.
● Perform other writing duties or tasks as assigned or required
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
● Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a scientific discipline (neuroscience
preferred)
● Graduate journalism coursework preferred
Experience
● At least three to five years of journalism experience (not including internships),
along with a solid background in biology (neuroscience preferred) and impeccable
news judgment
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)
● 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
● Keen sense of news
● Strong work ethic
● Attention to detail
● Social-media skills
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
● Résumé
● Cover letter stating your interest in the position
● Five journalistic writing clips that demonstrate your skill in news and feature
reporting and writing
COMPENSATION
● The full-time annual compensation range for the Reporter level is
$83,000–$90,000, depending on experience.
● The full-time annual compensation range for the Senior Reporter level is $109,000-
$115,000, 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
- At least three to five years of journalism experience
- Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (neuroscience preferred)
- Exceptional communication and grammar skills
- Familiarity with journalistic ethics
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.
