Curatorial Fellow

Science History Institute • Philadelphia, PA

3h

About The Position

The Science History Institute is hiring a Curatorial Fellow for its 2027–2029 fellowship to serve on the Distillations magazine editorial team. Distillations publishes long-form narrative nonfiction about the history of the chemical and life sciences. The magazine currently publishes new digital content twice monthly and reaches an annual audience of more than 500,000. The fellow will work with a two-person editorial team to commission and develop articles, manage production workflows and timelines, research and edit illustrative art, execute story layout and design, and collaborate with the Institute’s communications team on promotion. During the fellowship, the editorial team will also plan the magazine’s transition to a quarterly, print-first publication.

Curatorial fellowships are limited-term positions for people pursuing careers in the public history of science. Fellows are integrated into Institute staff and receive professional development, portfolio-building, networking, and mentorship opportunities. Fellows also participate in relevant Institute seminars, including the Beckman Center’s Work-in-Progress Workshops and Fellows’ Talks, taking approximately 10% of their time.

The two-year position begins in September 2027 and ends in August 2029. The annual salary is $55,000. The position is eligible for employee benefits, including medical and dental coverage, paid time off, and 403(b) retirement matching funds. Fellows who meet the criteria of the Institute’s Relocation Assistance Program receive a $1,500 payment upon moving to the Philadelphia area.

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 while managing multiple short- and long-term projects.
• Detail-oriented, with strong project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Commission and develop articles from staff and freelance writers.
• Manage editorial 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

• Medical coverage
• 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 and move to the Philadelphia area
• Professional development, portfolio-building, networking, and mentorship opportunities

What This Job Offers

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