DEADLINE: Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellowship

The Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellowship was launched in 2021 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 an educational component provided through MIT’s Knight Science Journalism Program with a paid reporting position at STAT, the nation’s must-read health, science, and medicine publication.

The one-year 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 program 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 Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellowship combines a paid reporting position at STAT with an educational component through the prestigious Knight Science Journalism (KSJ) program at MIT.

We will be hiring one fellow this year, who will start in mid-July 2024 and work through mid-July 2025.

Applications will be accepted online until April 26, 2024 extended to May 3 at 5 p.m. ET.

Fellows will work at STAT’s Boston office alongside its team of experienced science and health reporters and editors. While reporting and writing stories, they will have opportunities for mentorship and to work with various teams. At the same time, they will participate in KSJ training seminars and fellowship community events and have access to the MIT libraries. In the program’s first year, the KSJ offerings will be virtual. In future years, fellows will be able to audit classes at MIT and Harvard, as part of the traditional fellowship program.
What are the 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.

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.