Quanta Magazine seeks an enthusiastic and experienced video producer to collaborate on the production of animated explainers, hosted series and short documentaries about the life sciences, physics, computer science and mathematics. 

Quanta’s YouTube channel is reimagining the art of science video production. The incoming producer will report to and assist the director of video in creating high-quality videos featuring compelling stories, deeply researched science and math concepts, thoughtful interviews with experts, and artful visuals that make learning intuitive and fun. 

The ideal candidate will be a deft video editor; a writer who can turn a dense topic into an enthralling narrative journey; and an experienced video/film producer. This is a dynamic opportunity for a video professional looking for a creative and intellectually-stimulating role on an award-winning team. If you love going down a rabbit hole to learn about quantum physics, neuroscience and number theory — and if you’re up to the challenge of creating a story and visual treatment to make these complex concepts shine — then this role is for you.

This is a full-time position based in our offices in New York City.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with the director of video, produce animated video explainers, hosted series, and short documentaries about the life sciences, physics, computer science and mathematics. 

• Writing: Develop pitches for explainers and series episodes, identify experts to partner with, conduct extensive research on the topic and write engaging and informative scripts. 

• Directing/producing: Direct experts through narration recording for explainers, create storyboards for illustration and animation, project-manage the animation workflow, create a sound mix with SFX and music cues, and manage deliverables through publication.

• Managing short documentary shoots: Conduct research, perform outreach to high-quality local production crew, contribute interview questions, scout for visual opportunities, create a shooting schedule, collaborate with crew and subject on location and perform other production tasks as needed.

• Editing: Source archival material, select music tracks, and complete color and sound passes. 

• Help assemble creative teams for new projects, including illustrators, animators, additional producers, cinematographers and editors. 

• Support: Provide ongoing support to streamline project management, workflow and inter-departmental communication.

• Socials: Partner with Quanta’s engagement editor to create social assets for videos as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in video, film or media journalism, or equivalent professional experience.

• At least 4 years of experience writing, editing and producing videos.

• Expertise in Adobe Premiere and proficiency in Adobe Photoshop.

• An enthusiastic interest in science communication.

• A proactive, fast learner who can research deeply and problem-solve, especially when confronted with unfamiliar tasks or subject matter.

• An excellent judge of video quality with an understanding of animation, cinematography, editing, production, and post-production processes that contribute to success.

• An innovative visual storyteller with a sharp eye for design and high art.

• A superior verbal, written and interpersonal communicator.

• Desirable: Familiarity with Adobe After Effects; experience producing or writing science content.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Resume and cover letter describing your interest in the position.

• Three to five video samples (with scripts where applicable) that demonstrate mastery of the following skills: video editing, producing and writing. 

ABOUT QUANTA

Quanta Magazine is an award-winning, editorially independent online publication launched by the Simons Foundation to enhance public understanding of science. Our reporters and editors focus on developments in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science and the basic life sciences, with an emphasis on delivering timely, accurate, in-depth and well-crafted articles for our broad, discerning audience. In addition to many other awards and accolades, Quanta won the Pulitzer Prize in explanatory reporting in 2022 and a National Magazine Award for general excellence in 2020. Quanta has syndication partnerships with Wired, The Atlantic and other publications, has published two books (Alice and Bob Meet the Wall of Fire and The Prime Number Conspiracy) and our articles have been translated into several languages.

THE SIMONS FOUNDATION’S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.