Rachel Carson Science Journalism Fellow - Lab of Ornithology

Department Background:

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a globally renowned nonprofit institution that advances research education participatory science and conservation to improve the understanding and protection of birds and biodiversity. A vibrant unit within Cornell Universitys College of Agriculture and Life Sciences the Lab has seven interdisciplinary centers directed by full-time faculty and staff. Supported by more than 160000 donors the Lab offers rich lifelong learning opportunities to the public through distance-learning courses citizen-science projects live Bird Cams interactive web and mobile apps publications and multimedia.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell Universitys second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the worlds complex interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance here in New York across the nation and around the world.

Cornell communicators share a mission to enhance and preserve the universitys brand and reputation as a top research institution and a leader in higher education and to support and promote critical programs that serve the universitys teaching research and public engagement mission.

Communication services are carried out through a matrixed organizational system in which University Relations houses the departments of News (Cornell Chronicle) Media Relations (pitching and servicing media requests) Brand ( multimedia production brand management and governance) Strategic Communications (communications plans key messaging social media management) and Cornellians (digital alumni publication).

Communicators in colleges schools and units regularly collaborate with and consult University Relations departments. University Relations serves as a partner and resource for all college/unit communicators.

Position Summary:

The Rachel Carson Science Journalism Fellow at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a one-year position designed for early-career journalism professionals to gain experience in science journalism and outreach for public audiences as well as to contribute to undergraduate teaching and mentorship.

This is an on-site position in Ithaca New York. It is a temporary one-year position with potential to apply for an additional year.

As part of the labs Marketing & Communications team work with editors artists designers multimedia producers and multidisciplinary experts to generate stories about the labs science conservation and outreach impact as well as stories that engage readers in birding science and conservation of the natural world. Collaborate with editors to develop angles for assigned stories; complete reporting original writing and revisions on deadline. Pitch story ideas to editorial team for potential publication in Living Bird magazine All About Birds website Cornell Chronicle and other outlets. Contribute fact checking editing and content management to help fill production needs. Collaborate with others on story enhancements such as data visualizations and multimedia.

In collaboration with the labs faculty and advisors the Fellow will co-teach an undergraduate non-credit course in science journalism and serve as primary mentor for 13 undergraduate interns.

While position responsibilities vary every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative collaborative open and welcoming; showing respect compassion and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

This is a temporary full-time (40 hours/week) Contract College position that is based in Ithaca NY at the Lab of Ornithology approximately 3 miles from Cornells main Ithaca campus. This position follows an in-person-to-home hybrid work arrangement after a period of orientation and training. This hybrid work arrangement is subject to change.

What You Need (Qualifications):

We are seeking a team member who has:

• Bachelors or graduate degree in journalism or the equivalent in experience. This fellowship is designed for early career journalists with no more than two years of professional journalism or writing experience.
• Ability to write quickly clearly and concisely in collaboration with others.
• Experience generating reporting and writing science stories for nonscientific audiences; a minimum of three published clips is required with application.
• Learning mindset and positive collaborative spirit.
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion belonging and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students faculty staff and community members.
• Cornell Skills for Success

If you possess these experiences and skills this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications we would view as incredibly helpful in this role to include:

• Experience in developing data visualizations or multimedia is helpful.
• Demonstrated interest in birds or nature is a plus.
• Experience with informal or formal teaching tutoring or mentorship.
• Availability to start in summer 2025.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role
  remotely 02 days per week and in person 35 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify suspend revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
• This position is based in Ithaca New York. Employees who work remotely may receive
  multiple W-2 Forms depending on their work location. The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholding for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working temporarily outside of New York State.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health wellbeing sustainability and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options generous retirement contributions access to wellness programs and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: leave provisions include health and personal leave three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving and the day after and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1 and two floating holidays. Learn more about holiday and accrued time off visit: impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program tuition aid for external education and Cornell Childrens Tuition Assistance Program.
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Sponsorship is not available for this position

  Relocation assistance is not available for this position

  University Job Title:

  Temporary Editor/Writer

  Job Family:

  Temporary Communications/Marketing

  Level:

  No Grade - Annual

  Pay Rate Type:

  Salary

  Pay Range:

  Refer to Posting Language

  Remote Option Availability:

  Hybrid

  Company:

  Contract College

  Contact Name:

  Hannah Parker Carver

  Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

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  Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

  • Prior relevant work or industry experience

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  • Unique applicable skills

  • Academic Discipline

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