Curatorial Fellow, Distillations Magazine

Science History Institute • Philadelphia, PA

1d

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 currently operates as a digital publication with an annual “Best Of” print edition, publishes new content twice monthly, and reaches an annual audience of more than 500,000. During the fellowship, the editorial team will plan the magazine’s transition to a quarterly, print-first publication.

The fellow will help commission and develop articles from staff and freelance writers; manage production timelines and workflows; research and edit illustrative art; execute story layout and design; and collaborate with the Institute’s communications team on promotion. Curatorial fellows are Institute staff members and receive professional development, portfolio-building, networking, and mentorship opportunities. They also participate in relevant Institute seminars, including the Beckman Center’s Work-in-Progress Workshops and Fellows’ Talks, which take approximately 10% of their time.

Requirements

• An advanced degree in a humanities, social science, communications, or science field.
• A 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 while 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

• 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 Distillations magazine’s transition to a quarterly, print-first publication.
• Participate in relevant Institute seminars, including 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.
• Eligible fellows who meet the Institute’s Relocation Assistance Program criteria receive a $1,500 payment upon moving to the Philadelphia area.

What This Job Offers

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