Biology Reporter

Working in Science's news department, the Biology Reporter will report and write stories about research and policy for a readership of scientists and interested nonspecialists. Areas of coverage include drug development, synthetic biology, biochemistry, and genomics. The role includes reporting on policy and funding changes at agencies including the NIH and FDA and exploring their implications for researchers and public health. Other issues relevant to the biomedical community, such as lab culture and misconduct, also fall within the beat. The job will require a high level of comfort with technical material and the ability to make it accessible and compelling.

Science's Washington DC headquarters is the preferred work location, but a remote work arrangement may be possible.

Help us ignite the next era of science.

What You'll Do

• Monitor journals, preprints, and social media for research and policy developments. Visit labs and attend conferences.
• Develop sources at universities and within biomedical agencies, including NIH and FDA.
• Generate abundant, original story ideas.
• Report and write stories in multiple forms including short, breaking-news pieces for the daily online news site; longer trend and news analysis stories for the print magazine, and feature-length narratives of 2500 words or more.
• Attend and participate in daily news meetings. Collaborate with colleagues reporting on biomedical topics.
• Work with visuals team to conceive graphics and advise on photo choices.
• Work with editors and copyeditors to get stories into final form.
• Contribute to podcasts, newsletter, and video.

Minimum Requirements

• At least a bachelor's degree in a biological science or equivalent reporting experience.
• At least three years of science reporting in a competitive environment. Experience writing in a variety of formats, on both short and long-term deadlines.
• Good story judgment.
• Strong reporting and writing skills.
• Deep knowledge of at least one area of biomedical research.
• Understanding of the government policies and agencies that affect biomedical research.
• Ability to work collegially with editors, copyeditors, and art staff.
• Willingness and ability to travel to attend conferences and report stories.

Application Process

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position by May 1, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A Recruiter will contact you with next steps if you are selected for an interview.

Location

DC Metro Area is preferred but open to remote workers in select states. If you are not located in or able to work from a state where AAAS has a business presence, you may not be eligible for this position. Please contact our Talent Team at jobs@aaas.org with any questions regarding your eligibility.

The anticipated initial rate of compensation for this position is $85,000 - $110,000 per year. AAAS currently provides the following benefits for this position: paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, flexible spending account, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, short- and long-term disability, each subject to the terms of the applicable program. Additional benefits may apply.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of AAAS and will be based on a variety of factors, including years of experience, depth of experience, and other relevant factors. AAAS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.

AAAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category. AAAS uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

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