ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Science Writing Internship Jobs in Washington, DC

AAAS

News Writer Intern

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$21/hr

... writing for Science' s daily online news site and Science Magazine. This is a full-time 6-month paid internship with benefits that runs from January through June of 2027. News Writer Interns will ...

HunaTek

STEM Communications Specialist - ONR

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$80K - $95K/yr

... science writing, editing, or a related field. Desired Qualifications * Experience with Government, Department of Defense (DoD), or Department of the Navy (DON) internship programs. About Us: At ...

Anera

Writing Intern

Washington, DC · Remote

$17.50/hr

This position will offer opportunities to further interns' knowledge and experience in ... Pursuing writing intensive major (English, political science, history, or other related field of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsScience Writing JobsScience Writing Internship JobsScience Writing Internship Jobs in Washington, DC

Science Writing Internship information

See Washington, DC salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do science writing internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for science writing internship in Washington, DC is $17.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science writing intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Science Writing Intern, you need a strong foundation in scientific literacy, research skills, and clear, concise writing, often supported by coursework in science or journalism. Familiarity with reference management tools, content management systems, and basic data visualization software is beneficial. Curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences are standout soft skills in this position. These skills are essential for accurately translating scientific information into engaging content that is accessible to the public or targeted readers.

What is a science writing internship?

A Science Writing Internship is a temporary position designed to give aspiring science communicators hands-on experience in writing, editing, and publishing content related to scientific topics. Interns typically work with magazines, newspapers, universities, research institutions, or online publications to translate complex scientific research into clear and engaging stories for a general audience. These internships help participants develop skills in interviewing researchers, fact-checking, and understanding the editorial process. They are often aimed at students or recent graduates with backgrounds in science, journalism, or English.

What types of projects and writing assignments can I expect during a science writing internship?

As a Science Writing Intern, you will typically work on a variety of assignments such as writing news articles, blog posts, press releases, and feature stories about current scientific research or developments. You may interview scientists, attend conferences or seminars, and translate complex scientific concepts into engaging content for general audiences. Interns often collaborate closely with editors, researchers, and other writers, gaining valuable feedback and insight into science communication best practices. This hands-on experience helps build a strong portfolio and can open doors to future roles in science journalism or communication.

What is the difference between Science Writing Internship vs Science Communication Assistant?

AspectScience Writing InternshipScience Communication Assistant
Required CredentialsUndergraduate or graduate in science or communicationsSimilar; often students or early career professionals
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, media outlets, science magazinesPublic relations departments, science centers, educational organizations
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, universities, science mediaScience museums, government agencies, NGOs
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on writing skills, scientific accuracy, and internshipsBroader science communication tasks, outreach, and media engagement

The Science Writing Internship primarily emphasizes developing writing skills for scientific content, often within research or media settings. In contrast, the Science Communication Assistant role involves broader communication tasks, including outreach and public engagement. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are common entry points into science communication careers, but they differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science Writing jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Science Writing jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Science Writing Internship jobs in Washington, DC? For Science Writing Internship jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Science Writing Internship jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Science Writing Internship jobs in Washington, DC are:
Science Writing Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Writing Internship job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Internship, 33% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,620 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Science Writer Intern

American Institute of Physics Incorporated

College Park, MD • On-site

$18.80 - $19.20/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Science Writer, Intern

WHO WE ARE: As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact. We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team!

SUMMARY:

AIP is seeking a Science Writer Intern to join our Content Experience Team for a paid internship. This opportunity is ideal for students who are not enrolled in classes during the internship period. The internship runs September through November 2026 (12 weeks) and requires a commitment of up to 30 hours per week during regular business hours.

This internship is designed for those who are passionate about science communication and want to develop professional writing experience. Working alongside experienced science communicators, you'll research and write compelling content that highlights scientific discoveries, promotes AIP programs, and share the impact of research across the physical sciences. You'll also gain valuable experience collaborating with editors, researchers, and communications professionals while building a strong portfolio of published work.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Research, write, and edit 2–3 science communication assignments each week, including Scilight articles highlighting new scientific research, press releases for AIP Publishing journal articles, and website articles showcasing AIP programs and initiatives.
  • Conduct interviews with scientists, researchers, and AIP staff.
  • Collaborate with the Content Experience Team on writing, editing, and content development projects.
  • Assist with website updates, email communications, and other digital content initiatives.
  • Participate as an active member of AIP’s Content Experience Team, contributing ideas and supporting team priorities.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

  • Recent graduates (ideally within the past 12 months) and/or individuals pursuing Master’s degrees in the physical sciences or science communications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated interest in science, research, and science communication.
  • Ability to research complex topics and communicate them clearly to broad audiences.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a team while working independently on assigned projects.
  • Experience in journalism, communications, or science writing is preferred but not required.

TO APPLY: Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description. At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences. 

COMPENSATION: $18.80 - $19.20 per hour

WORKING AT AIP: AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.

Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work.

ABOUT AIP: Scientific discovery shapes our lives every day. And AIP empowers the organizations and people that make those discoveries possible.

As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact.

As an Institute, AIP preserves the history of discovery so the past can guide the future. We study how research is done, who participates, and what holds people back or propels them to succeed. Our findings inform policy, practice, and decision-making across the physical sciences. We are especially focused on the next generation of physical scientists and committed to ensuring talent from anywhere can thrive in our fields.

Humanity needs science. And science needs people and organizations working together to tackle our planet’s toughest challenges. Together, we can advance science, empower scientists, and ensure discovery continues to shape our lives.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!