Blogging “Science Unsealed”

Illinois Science Council

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Mentor 

Sarah Anderson, PhD
Managing Editor, Science Unsealed

Background

Illinois Science Council (“ISC”) is an independent, volunteer-driven 501c3 organization that engages, educates, and entertains the adult public about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). ISC serves as the adult complement to the many science-outreach organizations focused on K-12 students, and the science complement to Chicago’s many arts and humanities organizations. We showcase the scientists and research of Chicago-area institutions and companies that make Chicago our nation’s true “City of Science.” We offer unique public outreach programming and promote those done by other area institutions. Together, these efforts help to raise public awareness and understanding of the extraordinary amount of science research done in this region.

ISC produces a blog of “Science Unsealed,” on a wide variety of interesting and timely science topics that comes out with new every Monday. The blog received over 6,000 unique views in 2020. These posts are written by scientists for a non-scientifically trained audience in a way that is interesting and informative. ISC also offers engaging in-person and virtual public programs bringing scientists together with adults who want to cultivate their innate curiosity about STEM topics. Occasionally blog posts will feature an interview with a program speaker or in other ways complement ISC’s programs.

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Externship Description

Are you looking for an opportunity to practice writing about science to a non-scientist audience? Come write for Science Unsealed!

The spring quarter writing extern with ISC would conceive, research, write, and edit blog posts on agreed upon science topics. Externs are welcome from any science, technology, engineering, or math field. We’re looking for someone who can write 1-3 blogs per month, depending on their bandwidth. You can write on any topic you want, as long as it is related to science. You can use this opportunity to learn a little bit about writing science content to a specific audience of intelligent non-scientists, as well as learn what it’s like to pitch an idea and work with editors to see your article brought to completion. Our editorial team is composed of experienced science writers who will work with you to improve your writing and make your writing more clear. This is a good way to start or expand your writing portfolio. Extern may also get involved with the promotion of the blog.

You can read past “Science Unsealed” posts at https://IllinoisScience.org.

Qualifications

ISC is a small organization in fast-growth mode in the fast-growing field of science outreach. Externs must be willing to take a lot of initiative and work independently. Good communication skills, an interest in the nonprofit sector, and an entrepreneurial attitude are assets. Familiarity with Microsoft Office required.

Logistical Details

It is understood this is an unpaid externship. ISC operates virtually, without a fixed office space and also doesn’t have set business hours, so work can be done daytime, evenings or weekends, as long as projects are completed in a timely manner. The Editor and Extern will communicate regularly to discuss projects.

Your application must include a current resume and a cover letter describing why this externship is relevant to your career goals.

​Still wondering whether you should apply for this externship?

• It’s outside of academia and the ivory tower.
• Experience the entrepreneurial life and learn about the nonprofit world.
• Great introduction to the science outreach field through blog writing.
• Opportunity to practice non-academic science writing for non-science audiences.
• Up-close view of the science communication world.

Before submitting an application, please visit the Externships page for instructions regarding our new application platform: myCHOICE-Symplicity.