Application Deadline: June 30th 2021
STAT is now accepting applications for the Sharon Begley-STAT Science Reporting Fellowship, a new program with the goal of diversifying the ranks of science and health journalists and fostering better coverage of science that is relevant to all people. It combines a paid reporting position at STAT with an educational component provided through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s prestigious Knight Science Journalism program.
The nine-month fellowship is intended for early-career U.S. journalists from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in the profession and will prepare them for a successful career in science journalism. The inaugural Begley Fellow will start Sept. 7, 2021, and the fellowship will end June 3, 2022.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative provided $225,000 to support the first two years of the program, which is named in honor of Sharon Begley, an award-winning science writer for STAT, who died in January 2021 at 64, from complications of lung cancer. The Knight Science Journalism (KSJ) program and MIT are also providing financial support for the fellowship. Two additional fellows will be selected for the 2022-23 year.
Requirements
An applicant must be residing in the U.S. and live in, or be willing to relocate to, the Boston area. Applicants must have some previous journalism experience; between six months and five years is desirable. Previous work as a science writer is not required. In compliance with federal law, fellows will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Benefits
- Fellows will be paid $75,000 and receive health insurance through MIT. They will receive 10 days of vacation and get standard holidays off.
How to Apply
Applications are being accepted online until June 30, 2021 at 5 p.m. ET. Applicants will need to submit:
- A personal statement of up to 1,000 words describing yourself and how this fellowship would help you achieve your career goals; and making the case that your experiences and background make you a strong candidate for this fellowship.
- A resume.
- Links to 3-5 published articles.
- A letter of recommendation from an individual familiar with your work who can comment on your abilities, your commitment to journalism, and your suitability for this fellowship.
