The seasonal Science Communications Fellow at Shedd Aquarium will work directly with the Conservation Research and Public Relations staff to translate science into a narrative that helps the general public gain an understanding and appreciation for science, while tracking the reach and effectiveness of their contributions. The fellow will implement internal and external communications projects to help position Shedd as an established conservation organization dedicated to protecting and preserving wildlife for the future. The fellow will be assisting public relations strategies and tactics, such as sharing stories focused on Shedd and its partners’ ongoing research including an NSF-funded project examining the connectivity of a marine crab – the blue crab – impacted by disease. The fellow will be supported with a stipend to facilitate their involvement in the project. Most importantly, the fellow will get the opportunity to develop science communication skills and a portfolio in a non-academic and applied setting at Shedd Aquarium to supplement their ongoing graduate school experience.

Time Commitment: The fellowship will run from March 2021 through June 2021. Work will be predominately remote and independent, but must be based in Illinois. The specific start and end dates are flexible, based on fellow availability.

Schedule: A $2,000 stipend is provided.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values.
• Willingness to interact with both internal and external audiences via telephone or in-person. Updates supervisors accordingly.
• Assist in drafting blogs and digital content.
• Assist with internal communication needs.
• Develop story ideas and communications assets to share about the blue crab research project, and other research programs.
• Assist with drafting necessary press releases for scientific publications coming out of relevant Shedd research programs.
• Assist with drafting, posting and monitoring social media content for Shedd’s Research Twitter.
• Seek new opportunities for editorial and multimedia placements that deliver thought leadership, engage audiences or create top-of-mind awareness for Shedd and its programs
• Research science media contacts with interests in relevant research topics, pitching stories about research and coordinating interview requests.
• Monitor science media outlets and deliver weekly updates on “research in the news” pertinent to Shedd’s conservation programs.
•  Assist with media monitoring to track media coverage, potential readership and effectiveness of communications contributions.

Qualifications: 

• Excellent writing, editing, verbal and organizational skills required
• A desirable candidate must be able to multitask, be deadline-oriented, have the ability to work independently, be energetic and have an eagerness to learn.
• A candidate must also think critically and creatively, be a self-starter, have a passion for communicating science and possess excellent time management skills.

Education:

• Completion of bachelor’s degree
• Currently enrolled in a graduate school program in the life sciences seeking experience in effectively translating and communicating scientific research to a broader audience through science communications.

Experience:

• Minimum of 0 to 3 years of experience in communications field.
• Demonstrated ability to tell compelling stories in a variety of formats to a wide range of audiences including, but not limited to, social media, web, print media, grant proposals and reports, annual reports, etc.

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).