Freelance Medical Journalist (Part-Time, Four Months), ABC News Medical Unit
The ABC News Medical Unit in Boston is looking for a freelancer medical writer to work in the OnCall+ project for ABCNews.com for a four-month period. Primary assignment will be writing health stories for ABCNews.com, with additional responsibilities such as medical research and task-based assignments to assist with web page development.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree, preferably in a scientific field or journalism. If degree is in journalism, course work in science or medicine will be important. Strongly prefer candidates who have a master's degree in science journalism.
WORK EXPERIENCE: Candidate must have experience writing Web or print stories on health and/or science topics for a general audience. Should be able to understand medical research and read scientific papers with keen analytical skills. Must be able to report and write breaking news stories with quick turnarounds. Must have a teamwork mentality and understanding of journalistic ethics. Ability to handle multiple and complex projects at the same time while meeting various deadlines. One year of news writing experience required, two or more years preferred, although candidates with extensive writing coursework and internship experience will be considered.
DETAILS: This is a freelance job that pays $18.75/hour with no benefits. The positions are in-house, at the Boston bureau -- which is in Needham, Mass. Our office is accessible by public transportation (includes a short walk).
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume/references (PDF) to Kirk Fernandes, OnCall+ Producer, ABC News at: kirk.fernandes@abc.com. In addition, please send three writing samples (or links to writing samples) that demonstrate your medical reporting and writing skills.
The ABC News Medical Unit is responsible for evaluating medical information for all ABC News platforms, including "World News with Charles Gibson", "Good Morning America" and "Nightline." In addition to the OnCall+ project, the unit is responsible for the Health Page of ABCNews.com and Dr. Tim Johnson's segments on ABC News NOW, the internet/broadband/digital cable outlet of ABC News.
