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 provides our SDB trainees with professional and practical work experience in science communication. Interns will complete three written projects between September 2024 and May 2025: (1) an SDB member profile, (2) an SDB awardee profile, and (3) a story about a recent developmental biology discovery. 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, Pamela Hines, Cecilia Moens, Victoria Prince, Gary Schoenwolf, and John Wallingford), and collaborate closely with SDB staff.
Interns will also receive $500 to attend the SDB Annual Meeting.
Meet the Interns
The 2025 Society for Developmental Biology Science Communication Interns are Raisa Bailon-Zambrano (University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus), Samantha Fernandes (University of Washington), Caroline Halmi (University of Maryland), Cindy Ow (University of California, San Francisco), and Violet Sorrentino (University of Washington).
Duties
SDB SciComm Interns are responsible for writing three articles (none to exceed 2000 words) to be published on the SDB website and, where applicable, in Developmental Biology, the official journal of the Society for Developmental Biology. Interns are expected to spend 5 to 10 hours each month on these projects for a total of 9 months. Mentors and interns will meet monthly as a cohort and regularly with their assigned mentor. 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
Deadline: August 16, 2024, 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Please submit a completed (1) application form, (2) cover letter (up to 500 words), (3) C.V. (up to 3 pages), and (4) 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. Advisors should send their letter of recommendation to Marsha Lucas ([email protected]). The recommendation letter should include an acknowledgement of support for their trainee's participation in this internship if they are selected. The deadline for all application materials, including the letter of recommendation, is Friday, August 16, 2024, 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, Pamela Hines, Cecilia Moens, Victoria Prince, Gary Schoenwolf, and John Wallingford), 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 within 48 hours of the offer. 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 Marsha Lucas ([email protected]) with any questions about the application process.