Editorial Intern

Job Description

About Company:

NPR is a thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization that produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. NPR is committed to building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to success.

Job Description:

NPR is seeking an Editorial Intern to join the Science desk and Short Wave podcast teams for a 28-week internship from October 6th, 2025 – April 17th, 2026.

The intern will spend the first 14 weeks with the Science desk and the second 14 weeks with the Short Wave podcast team.

Responsibilities:

• Pitch story and episode ideas for both the Science desk and Short Wave.
• Report and produce stories on general science, domestic health, and global health.
• Assess science papers and other research developments for newsworthiness.
• Fact-check Short Wave episodes (during the second half of the internship).
• Help research, book guests, and write interview questions for original, enterprise reporting on the Science desk and for Short Wave.
• Assist in episode audio production and promotion (during the second half of the internship).
• Collaborate with NPR Science desk reporters and editors, as well as Short Wave producers, reporters, and hosts.
• Complete a “capstone” project for each team (Science and Short Wave) consisting of an originally reported feature.

Science Desk (First 14 Weeks):

• Report and produce digital stories for Shots (domestic health), Goats and Soda (global health and development), and general science sections.
• Pitch ideas based on news developments.
• Take assignments from desk editors.
• Assist in reporting stories by NPR correspondents.
• Cover breaking events and press briefings.
• Assess scientific papers to determine newsworthiness.
• Produce stories for NPR’s website in a timely fashion.

Short Wave Podcast (Second 14 Weeks):

• Apply skills learned on the Science desk to audio formats.
• Help co-create the Short Wave podcast four times a week.

Qualifications:

• Excellent research and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, quickly, and accurately.
• Ability to work and collaborate with others, even on tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated interest in news and creative storytelling.
• Some audio production experience.
• Knowledge or background in a science field.
• Sense of humor.

Application Requirements:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample

Education:

• Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate of no more than 12 months from the month of the start of the internship.

Work Location:

• Remote Permitted: This role is based out of our Washington, DC office but the employee may choose to work on a remote basis from a location that NPR approves.

Job Type:

• Temporary (28-week) full-time internship.

Compensation:

• Hourly Rate: $20.00 per hour.

Schedule:

• 40 hours per week, typically on a 9-to-5:30 ET schedule.