Volunteer Computer Science Opt Jobs in Austin, TX

Job Posting Title:
Science Journalism Student Intern - Computer Science Department
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Hiring Department:
Department of Computer Science
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
15
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FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until May 15, 2026
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Location:
UT MAIN CAMPUS
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Job Details:
Purpose
The marketing and communications team in the computer science department is hiring multiple student interns for the fall semester, with potential to extend!
Science Journalism Intern
Are you a journalism student who loves digging into complex ideas and turning them into stories people care about? UT Computer Science is hiring a Science Journalism Intern to pitch and write feature-style stories that spotlight groundbreaking research, innovative students, and the real-world impact of computing. From climate tech to cybersecurity, your work will help answer: Why does this matter now?
Responsibilities

• Write both pitched and assigned stories about UTCS research, innovation, and impact
• Interview faculty, students, and alumni to develop compelling storylines
• Cover research events, symposiums, and student project showcases
• Assist with content for multimedia storytelling (e.g., quotes, captions, video scripts, infographics)
• Collaborate with the communications team to shape ideas and refine copy
• Contribute to editorial planning and align with broader content goals

The Types of Stories You'll Write

• A PhD student using AI to diagnose rare diseases
• A UTCS lab building cybersecurity tools that protect privacy
• A student researcher working on climate tech or digital ethics
• A behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to prepare for a research competition

Ideal Skills

• Clear, compelling writing that can make complex topics understandable
• Strong interviewing instincts and curiosity about how things work
• Experience writing for a publication, blog, internship, or class assignment
• Interest in science, research, and journalism that makes an impact
• Ability to work independently and revise thoughtfully
• Working knowledge of Asana or basic CMS tools is helpful but not required

What You'll Learn

• How to report and write about cutting-edge research in accessible ways
• Real-world experience in science and higher ed storytelling
• How to tailor content for digital platforms and public-facing audiences
• Practice pitching, drafting, editing, and publishing original work
• Portfolio-quality writing with measurable reach and engagement

How to Apply

• Submit your resume and 2 writing samples (science/tech preferred).
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority deadline: August 15th.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Additional Job Details:
Hours: 15 hours/week
Pay: $15/hour
Schedule: Flexible; hybrid (40% on-site, 60% remote)
Location: GDC Building, UT Austin campus
Target Start Date: August 20-27, 2025
Term: Fall 2025, with potential to extend
Internship Credit: Eligible; details discussed in interviews.
Eligibility: UT Austin students only. Open to work-study and non-work-study students
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
Employment Eligibility:
Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:
Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.
Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:
The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.
The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.