Editorial Intern (Science Desk & Short Wave Podcast)
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Job Description
About NPR:
A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility. NPR is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives.
Job Description:
Position: Editorial Intern (Science Desk & Short Wave Podcast)
Program Duration: October 6th, 2025 – April 17th, 2026 (28 weeks)
Overview:
NPR is seeking a detail-oriented, creative, and curious editorial intern to join the Science desk and Short Wave podcast teams. This internship provides the opportunity to gain experience in various aspects of journalism, including research, fact-checking, writing, reporting, and audio production, leading to a substantial portfolio.
Responsibilities:
• Pitching: Generate story and episode ideas for both the Science desk and Short Wave.
• Reporting & Production: Report and produce stories on general science, domestic health (Shots blog), and global health and development (Goats and Soda blog) for the Science Desk, and adapt those skills to audio formats for Short Wave.
• Research & Assessment: Evaluate scientific papers and research developments for newsworthiness.
• Fact-Checking: Fact-check Short Wave podcast episodes.
• Guest Coordination: Assist in researching and booking guests, and writing interview questions for original reporting.
• Audio Production: Assist in episode audio production and promotion for Short Wave.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with NPR Science desk reporters and editors, as well as Short Wave producers, reporters, and hosts.
• Capstone Projects: Complete a significant “capstone” project for both the Science desk and Short Wave, consisting of an originally reported feature.
Internship Structure:
• First Half (14 weeks): Focus on the Science desk, reporting and producing digital stories for Shots (domestic health), Goats and Soda (global health and development), and general science.
• Second Half (14 weeks): Embed with the Short Wave podcast team, contributing to the creation of science-focused audio content.
Requirements:
• Skills:
• Excellent research and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, quickly, and accurately.
• Strong collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated interest in news and creative storytelling.
• Some audio production experience is a plus.
• Knowledge or background in a science field is a plus.
• Sense of humor.
• Education:
• Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate (no more than 12 months from the internship start date).
• Application Materials:
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample
Location:
• Remote Permitted: This is a remote permitted role. 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, full-time internship (40 hours/week)
Compensation:
• Hourly Rate: $20.00/hour
Schedule:
• 40 hours per week, typically on a 9-to-5:30 ET schedule.
Benefits:
• Principal 403(b) retirement plan eligibility
• Transit Flexible Spending Account
• Access to on-site Cigna medical providers (DC HQ)
• Free fitness center access (DC HQ)
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling services)
• Business Travel Accident coverage
• Global Guardian membership
• Signal Financial Federal Credit Union membership
• Holiday pay (for interns working 30+ hours/week)
• Sick leave and paid administrative leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work hours and telecommuting options
Ethics:
• This is an NPR editorial role covered under the terms of the NPR Ethics Handbook. All editorial staff are bound by this guidance. Editorial staff are defined as staff members who play a role in shaping the journalistic or creative direction of NPR’s content, including events.
Application Deadline:
• Monday, June 30th at 11:59 pm ET.
