Curatorial Fellow

Science History Institute • Philadelphia, PA

3d

About The Position

The Science History Institute is hiring a Curatorial Fellow to join the editorial team of Distillations magazine 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 work on commissioning and developing articles with staff and freelance writers; managing editorial production timelines and workflows; researching and editing illustrative art; executing story layout and design; and collaborating with the Institute’s communications team on promotion. Fellows also participate in relevant Institute seminars, including the Beckman Center’s Work-in-Progress Workshops and Fellows’ Talks, for approximately 10% of their time.

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. The Institute considers applicants from relevant fields who demonstrate an interest in the history of science and are interested in a professional trajectory outside academia.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in a humanities, social science, communications, or science field.
• Demonstrated interest in the history of science.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• 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.
• Submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three published writing samples for a non-specialist audience, and contact information for three professional references.

Responsibilities

• Commission and develop articles with 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.
• Participate in relevant Institute seminars, including Work-in-Progress Workshops and Fellows’ Talks, for approximately 10% of the position’s time.
• Help plan the magazine’s transition to a quarterly, print-first publication.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• 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.
• Professional development, portfolio-building, networking, and mentorship opportunities

What This Job Offers

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