Curatorial Fellow, Distillations Magazine

Science History Institute • Philadelphia, PA

2d

About The Position

The Science History Institute seeks a Curatorial Fellow to join the Distillations magazine editorial team for a two-year fellowship running from September 2027 through August 2029. Distillations publishes long-form narrative nonfiction about the history of the chemical and life sciences. The magazine is currently a digital product with an annual “Best Of” print edition, and its editorial team will plan a transition to a quarterly, print-first publication during the fellowship.

The fellow will work on a two-person editorial team commissioning and developing articles, managing production timelines and workflows, researching and editing illustrative art, executing story layout and design, and collaborating with the Institute’s communications team on promotion. Curatorial fellowships are limited-term positions for people interested in careers in the public history of science. Fellows are integrated into Institute staff and receive professional development, portfolio-building, networking, and mentorship opportunities. They also participate in relevant Institute seminars, approximately 10% of their time.

Requirements

• An advanced degree in a humanities, social science, communications, or science field.
• Demonstrated interest in the history of science.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complicated topics to non-specialist and public audiences.
• Experience working in deadline-driven environments and managing multiple short- and long-term projects.
• Strong attention to detail and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the Distillations magazine editorial team.
• Commission and develop articles with staff and freelance writers.
• Manage production timelines and workflows.
• Research and edit illustrative art for articles.
• Execute story layout and design.
• Collaborate with the Institute’s communications team on promotion.
• Help plan the magazine’s transition to a quarterly, print-first publication.
• Participate in relevant Institute seminars, including the Beckman Center’s Work-in-Progress Workshops and Fellows’ Talks.

Benefits

• Professional development, portfolio-building, networking, and mentorship opportunities.
• Medical and dental coverage.
• Paid time off.
• 403(b) retirement matching funds.
• A $1,500 relocation payment for fellows who meet the criteria of the Institute’s Relocation Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level