Contract Science Writer and Social Media Content Creator

Calling all science writers.

We're looking for a science content creator to temporarily help create social media content about new physics research publishing in APS journals. This contract is remote but the candidate must be responsive during core working hours in the Eastern time zone.

Posted by: Anna Torres, Head of Communications

The American Physical Society seeks a skilled and experienced science writer to temporarily join its strategic communications and public relations team. The science writer will create compelling, accessible short- and long-form content that connects APS with diverse audiences, including scientists, the public, journalists, and more. This contract primarily supports social media promotion of scientific research and APS journals. However, it may also contribute to other communications activities as needed, including other social media efforts, press outreach, and APS News.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality communications materials, including social media posts, press materials, long-form stories, and the like that effectively promote scientific research, APS journals, and other APS activities.
• Source or create multimedia assets to accompany written content.
• Review and edit written materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to APS' style guide.
• Identify newsworthy or compelling content for promotion.
• Assist with the management of APS' social media accounts, including maintaining editorial calendars; creating, editing, and/or posting content; interacting with the audience; and monitoring performance.
• Support efforts to track and report on social media performance.
• Monitor the social media landscape to stay up to date on emerging trends and opportunities, potential risks, and industry changes.

Experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Minimum of three years of related experience as a science writer for a news outlet, research organization, or scientific publisher.
• Impeccable writing, editing, and interviewing skills.
• Ability to distill complex scientific concepts into clear, concise, and compelling prose.
• Experience creating multimedia content and using social media to communicate about science.
• Thorough knowledge of journalistic standards and ethics.
• Exceptional understanding of news values and the scientific process.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and relationship-building capabilities.
• Proficient in relevant software, including Sprout Social, Google Business Suite, and Asana.
• Fluent in AP style.
• Background in physics is a plus.

Work environment

This contract is remote but the candidate must be responsive during core working hours in the Eastern time zone.

How to apply

Send your resume, cover letter, proposed monthly retainer rate, and three work samples (files or links) to [click apply] by Aug. 23. Retainer terms, including duration and scope, will be discussed with finalists. Samples should showcase your ability to create engaging science content for mainstream social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Bluesky) as well as for long-form platforms.