STAT is a mission-driven online media publication focused on finding and reporting compelling and important stories about health, medicine, and scientific discovery. We are accepting applications for the Sharon Begley-STAT Science Reporting Fellowship, a new program 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 a paid reporting position at STAT with an educational component through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s prestigious Knight Science Journalism (KSJ) program. 

The nine-month 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 inaugural Begley Fellow will start Sept. 7, 2021, and the fellowship will end June 3, 2022.

Fellows will be based at STAT’s Boston office and report and write articles. At the same time, they will participate in KSJ training seminars and fellowship community events and have access to the MIT libraries. (The KSJ offerings will be virtual this year.) 

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.

Qualifications

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. 

How to apply

Apply at: https://ksj.submittable.com/submit/195534/sharon-begley-stat-science-reporting-fellowship

Applications are being accepted online until June 30, 2021 at 5 p.m. ET. Please submit:

-- A personal statement of up to 1,000 words describing yourself, your goals for the fellowship, and how your background, experiences, and career path influenced your decision to pursue this opportunity. 

-- A  resume.

-- Links to 3-5 published articles.

-- A letter of recommendation from an individual familiar with your work who can comment on your abilities, your commitment to journalism, and your suitability for this fellowship. 

STAT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strive to create a culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates all voices. A staff that reflects the world around us makes for better — and more accurate — journalism.