SDB Science Communication Internship
Overview
SciComm Interns are integral members of the Society for Developmental Biology (SDB) Communication Team. They help SDB fulfill its mission to serve as a global communication hub for all developmental biologists and the public.
The SDB Science Communication Internship aims to provide our SDB trainees with professional and practical work experience in all facets of science communication. Activities may include interviewing SDB members, research scientists, and award recipients, generating editorials about the newest discoveries, helping to produce newsletters, and participating in general communication efforts with the SDB community (examples of SDB news stories). In addition to receiving credit for their work through bylines, our interns have the opportunity to broaden their interactions with developmental biologists in the field, foster new relationships with senior SDB SciComm mentors (Ondine Cleaver, Victoria Prince, and John Wallingford, Pamela Hines, and Cecilia Moens), and collaborate closely with SDB staff.
Interns will also receive $500 to attend the 2023 SDB Annual Meeting.
Meet the Interns
The inaugural Society for Developmental Biology Science Communication Interns have been selected. Lydia Grmai (University of Pittsburgh), Andrew Montequin (Northwestern University), and Brittany Truong (University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus) will began their internship in September 2022. In addition to the three interns, four trainees were selected as honorable mentions.
Duties
SDB SciComm Interns are responsible for generating and editing content for the SDB website, newsletter, and social media accounts. Interns are expected to spend 5 to 10 hours each month on these projects for one year, with an option to renew for an additional year. The remote internship provides a flexible schedule and is arranged in advance with the SciComm writing mentors.
Qualifications
The ideal applicant will have a strong developmental biology background and an interest in writing about science to a general audience. Applicants must be current trainee members of SDB (graduate students who have joined a lab for their dissertation research or postdoctoral fellows). Prior writing experience is preferred but not required.
Application Process
Please submit a completed internship application form, cover letter (up to 500 words), C.V. (up to 3 pages), and a letter of recommendation from your advisor (PI). The cover letter should explain why you are interested in the internship and how it will support your future career plans. Recommendation letter writers should send their letters to Samantha Lee ([email protected]). The deadline for all application materials, including letters of recommendation, is Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
Applications are reviewed by a selection panel that includes, but is not limited to, SDB SciComm mentors (Ondine Cleaver, Victoria Prince, John Wallingford, Pamela Hines, and Cecilia Moens), the Executive Director (Ida Chow), and staff. Following the application deadline, SDB staff will verify the eligibility of applicants based on the requirements stated above. Eligible applications will then be forwarded to the SDB SciComm writing mentors, who may request additional information and/or writing samples to help assess fit for the positions. SDB SciComm Interns must officially accept the role and obtain written approval from their primary mentor/PI. SDB staff will communicate outcomes to all applicants. However, we will not be able to provide feedback on decisions made by the selection panel.
Contact Samantha Lee ([email protected]) with any questions about the application process.