News Editor, The Transmitter

The Transmitter offers up-to-date news and analysis of the field of neuroscience, with a special focus on basic neuroscience research, and is dedicated to helping scientists at all career stages stay current and build connections.

Our award-winning team is looking for a News Editor to join our newsroom in New York City. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced science journalist to shape and edit news, high-impact scoops and accountability stories that include in-depth, revealing reporting—and are strong contenders in awards competitions. 

Reporting to the Managing Editor, the News Editor will work with The Transmitter’s staff and a stable of accomplished freelancers to assign, guide and edit a mix of news, enterprise stories and scoops. The News Editor should have a track record of producing high-impact scoops and award-caliber work. A background or strong interest in basic neuroscience research is essential. 

The Transmitter is an initiative of the Simons Foundation but is editorially independent. This is a full-time position based in the Simons Foundation offices in New York City.

We offer a generous salary and truly excellent benefits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with staff reporters and a stable of accomplished freelancers to develop strong pitches for news and in-depth enterprise stories, profiles and accountability pieces that educate, challenge and inspire our audience of neuroscientists

• Assign and edit articles

• Help select and manage interns and recruit new freelance reporters

• Oversee copyediting and fact-checking process for stories

• Ensure diversity in coverage and sourcing

• Collaborate with our art director to develop compelling visuals and data-rich graphics for stories

• Contribute to editorial planning meetings, helping shape the team’s coverage priorities and story mix

• Perform other writing and editing duties or tasks as assigned or required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a scientific discipline (neuroscience preferred)

• An advanced degree in science and/or journalism preferred

Experience

• At least five years of news editing experience 

• Ability to edit articles on complex scientific topics accurately for a specialist audience

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Must be passionate about The Transmitter’s coverage area of basic neuroscience research

• Must have exceptional communication and grammar skills (written and verbal)

• Collegiality in working with staff and freelance reporters and editors

• Ability to collaborate across teams

• Must be familiar with and adhere to journalistic ethics

• Must be able to write clearly and accurately under tight deadlines

• Affinity for trade journalism and The Transmitter’s mission

• Familiarity with science policy

• Keen sense of news

• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently

• Attention to detail

• Ability to manage tight deadlines and juggle multiple assignments

• Social media skills

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS 

• Résumé

• Cover letter stating your interest in the position

• Five journalistic clips that demonstrate your skill in shaping and editing news, high-impact scoops and accountability stories

 COMPENSATION

• The full-time annual compensation range for the News Editor is $110,000 to $125,000, depending on experience.

• In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.