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Job Summary

Caltech/IPAC’s Science Engagement Lab (SELab) is seeking a Communications Intern with combined passions for science and communication to contribute written products for our online platforms (website and social media channels). 

This paid position is wide-ranging in scope, and the opportunities for the successful candidate will be tailored towards their interests and goals, as well as the needs of SELab and our collaborators. We are looking for someone who is interested in pursuing science communication as a significant component of their career in the future. Ongoing or completed training in science communication is helpful, but not required. We’d love to see what you’ve created and hear about what you dream about creating.

• Do you spend more time on your talks than on bugs in your code?
• Do you have PBS Nova on speed dial?
• Do you corner strangers at parties to talk about science documentaries?
• Is your For You page all about black holes and rocket launches?
• Is your Spotify Wrapped all science podcasts?
• Are you on a mission to share science with the world? 

Come join our team!

IPAC is a hub for enabling breakthrough astronomy research by supporting NASA-funded missions, projects, and science data archives. SELab’s job is to translate and share the latest innovations from IPAC with the public and the research community. 

What do we do? The SELab team provides strategic planning, development and programming in public outreach, formal and informal education programs, science visualization, graphic design, media relations, strategic and crisis communications, video, animation, website and applications development. 

Who do we work with? Our partners and collaborators include other outreach and communications specialists and teams, as well as a broad range of the science community including individual researchers, science collaborations, science projects, missions and centers. Our work includes people and projects both within IPAC, but also NASA and NSF projects, NASA centers including JPL and GSFC, Caltech, as well as public and private institutions across the U.S. and internationally.

Essential Job Duties

In collaboration with members of SELab and the research scientists at IPAC, you will plan, manage, and execute a communications project or series of products that engage with our established audiences and explain core astrophysics topics relevant to the missions that IPAC supports. Specific topics may include exoplanets, galaxies, black holes, asteroids, comets, dark energy, dark matter, and more. 

Your contributions can similarly touch a variety of formats, including news articles, press releases, explainers, features, social media campaigns, podcast episodes, long-form videos, or short-form vertical videos.

Work Arrangement

This is a three-month appointment that can be tailored to the candidate’s availability. Flexible hours and location arrangements include: 

• Located in Pasadena, CA (relocation, housing, and transportation not provided)
• Preferred in-person (hybrid or remote work can be arranged, depending on individual needs)
• Between 2 to 5 days per week (Monday through Friday)
• Scheduling can work around the candidate’s ongoing training and education programs 

Basic Qualifications

• Ongoing or completed degree in a STEM field (preferred astronomy, physics, or a related field)
• Some science writing experience for technical and/or public audiences.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills
• Passion for science communication and community engagement

Preferred Qualifications

Beyond these basic qualifications, there are skills and experiences which will add to your ability to contribute:

• Completed or on-going training in Science Communication
• Experience specifically developing astrophysics-themed content (written, multimedia, social media) 
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, verbal and written communication, along with demonstrated creativity and problem-solving capabilities.
• A curiosity about what opportunities exist for careers or jobs in science communication and community engagement.

Required Documents

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter (see below)
• Up to three writing samples (published articles, podcast/video scripts, classroom assignments, school newspaper, unpublished work, social media, etc.)

Cover Letter: 

Let your cover letter serve as an additional writing sample, showing off your unique voice and communication skills. Please address some of the following bullets in your one-page letter:

• Previous experiences that influenced your decision to pursue a science communication career path
• What are your goals as a science communicator?
• Favorite examples of science communication you read/watch/consume that inspire you
• Do you have any ideas for a product (article, video, social media, etc.) that aligns with IPAC’s current efforts?

Applications are due by 4/8/2026.