ann2402 — Announcement
Call for ESA/Hubble & ESA/Webb Science Writer
1 August 2024
The ESA/Hubble & ESA/Webb Outreach team is looking for a motivated individual to join the team as a proficient science writer to support a variety of roles and activities pertaining to the work of bringing the images and science from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope to the public. This is a unique opportunity to develop skills and experience in science communication for high-reach and high-impact products that are disseminated worldwide as part of two well-known and beloved science missions.
Position Overview
The ESA/Hubble & ESA/Webb outreach team is composed of science communicators, scientists, science writers, visual artists, image processing specialists and more, who work together to showcase the research of the European Hubble & Webb users and institutions to the wider astronomical community and general public. This team is looking to add a dynamic, organized, and motivated individual to work alongside the team’s Chief Communications Officer to support a variety of tasks.
This science writing role will begin with a 3 month trial period, followed by a 12-month renewable freelance work agreement with the ESA Office at the Space Telescope Science Institute (Baltimore, USA) for 2025. The position will require roughly 20 hours per month. All work will be performed remotely and the individual will be working closely with the ESA/Hubble & ESA/Webb Chief Communications Officer and Science Information Officer.
Tasks and Responsibilities
- Writing of various texts, including the ESA/Hubble Picture of the Week and ESA/Webb Picture of the Month, support for science and photo release texts, video scripts (including the Space Sparks series), the ESA/Hubble and ESA/Webb word banks, and announcements.
- Thorough research and fact checking for all science texts.
- Additional support as requested by the ESA/Hubble & Webb Chief Communications Officer as it pertains to tasks for ESA/Hubble and ESA/Webb.
- Attendance at team meetings
Remuneration and Benefits
- Roughly 20 of work per month at €35/hour, as per a freelance agreement with the ESA Office at the Space Telescope Science Institute (Baltimore, USA)
- Opportunity to work on high visibility and high impact products that are disseminated worldwide and part of two well-recognized and beloved space science missions
- Develop experience in different areas of science communication and outreach
- Opportunity to network with the members of the ESA/Hubble/Webb science outreach team and to engage with other members in the Hubble and Webb community.
- Mentorship
- Possible opportunities for greater responsibilities and roles in the future with the ESA/Hubble & ESA/Webb outreach team
Applicant Profile
We are welcoming applications from individuals who fit the following profile:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
- Excellent writing skills, including proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Strong English skills. Native English speaker is preferred but not required.
- Interest in developing experience in science outreach and communications. Previous experience in this field strongly preferred.
- Interest in gaining coordination experience.
- Strong multitasking and organizational skills, as ESA/Hubble/Webb science outreach work involves the coordination of many different tasks.
- Prepared with own equipment (computer, internet access, etc.) for remote work.
- Responsive to accommodate for new and dynamic tasks.
Application Instructions
Please submit all of the following as a single PDF file to [email protected] by 31 August at 11:59PM Central European time:
- CV (2 pages maximum) - required
Please include previous relevant work experience and associated responsibilities, education, personal skills, languages, as well as current residence status - Cover letter (1 page maximum) - required
Please describe your interest and suitability for the role as well as your professional aspirations - Writing samples - required
The applicant should provide up to 3 relevant writing samples that demonstrate interest and proficiency in science writing (preferably in astronomy)
Additional Notes
Applications are welcome from all countries.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
ESA/Hubble/Webb embraces the diversity of our team. We are deeply committed to encouraging people of all backgrounds to apply for this opportunity. We therefore strongly encourage women, ethnic minorities, and disabled individuals to apply for this opportunity. Our experience has demonstrated that the broader the styles, backgrounds, and abilities of our staff—in other words, the more diverse our team is—the greater potential we have for success. ESA/Hubble does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, or mental or physical handicap.
Those needing assistance with the application can contact us at [email protected].
Contacts
Bethany Downer
ESA/Hubble & ESA/Webb Chief Communications Officer
Email: [email protected]
