"Alerted.org

Do you have a passion for visual communication and data-driven journalism? Do you relish learning about Earth and environmental science and sharing with others? Do you have experience identifying science and engineering stories and translating them into polished content for non-scientists?

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) is hiring a science writer to join one of NASA’s most visible communications teams, publishing daily imagery and stories about the environment, Earth systems, and climate that emerge from NASA research, including its satellite missions, in-the-field research, and models.

Responsibilities include:

+ Discovering, reporting, and telling stories based on satellite imagery, natural events, research results, scientific meetings, and lectures;

+ Interpreting remote-sensing imagery (through reporting and experience) and producing detailed, accurate explanations of what it shows;

+ Collaborating with data visualizers, writers, editors, and scientists to develop imagery, animations, videos, social media content, and interactive features;

+ Building and maintaining a network of subject matter experts within and outside of NASA.

Writing and producing for a science institution requires initiative, persistence, and diplomacy. As a translator between scientists and engineers and the public, you need patience, an ability to accept constructive criticism, and a healthy self-confidence in your craft. These stories receive high visibility, and millions of readers trust the depth and quality of our visual-driven narratives. This demands acute attention to detail and accuracy.

Applicants are expected to provide three samples of your writing/content creation, preferably about Earth or environmental science. One of those samples should be unedited (e.g., a manuscript before it was edited by your publication).

The successful candidate must be a U.S. Citizen. The position is full-time and is onsite at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Required Qualifications:

+ Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years developing content for the science literate public;

+ Proven ability to balance daily, weekly, and monthly deadlines;

+ Ability to learn and interpret complex Earth science;

+ Ability to work well within a distributed team;

+ Technical proficiency with relevant content development software (e.g., MS Office);

+ Significant, demonstrable work experience, in journalism, science communications, or visual content production.

+ U.S. Citizenship required.

Desired Qualifications:

+ Experience or coursework in data journalism;

+ Experience with copy editing and proofreading;

+ Experience with journalistic fact-checking;

+ Education or experience in Earth or physical sciences.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.