The Science Media Centre is offering a paid, part-time work placement for a new graduate over summer 2026-27 in Wellington.
This is an ideal opportunity for a new graduate in journalism, science communication or science (with demonstrated strong communication skills).
The work placement will be up to 20 hours per week over three months between November and March, with exact timing to be agreed with the successful candidate.
We are looking for someone with strong writing and editing skills, a keen interest in science, who is self-motivated and reliable with a flexible, can-do approach.
During your time with the SMC, you will primarily focus on three areas:
- Content coordination: Assisting production of newsletters and media releases; uploading expert reaction content to the SMC website
- Content production: Writing plain language summaries of research articles for Scimex and proofing Scimex uploads; writing articles for Science Deadline newsletter and SMC website (as time permits)
- Contact management: Updating our shared database based on research and follow up by email/phone
There is also broad scope for you to complete an independent project during your placement with our support. If you have ideas related to the Science Media Centre’s work, or specific areas of interest you’d like to explore, please include these in your expression of interest.
If you would like us to consider you for this opportunity, please share a brief description of yourself and your recent studies, your motivation for the work placement and what strengths and experience you would bring to the SMC, along with any relevant writing samples you’d like to bring to our attention.
Send your expression of interest to dacia@sciencemedia.nz with the subject line “SMC summer placement EOI” before 9 November 2026.