PitchMeAI
The New York Times

National Correspondent, Science

The New York Times · United States

  • Hybrid
  • Full-time
  • $160,000 / year
  • United States

Job highlights

  • Report on American scientific research with energy.
  • Cultivate diverse sources for compelling stories.
  • Write narrative, news, and explainer pieces.
  • Translate complex science for general audiences.
  • Remote U.S. based role requiring travel.

About the role

National Correspondent, Science

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. Independent journalism is at the heart of all we do. This is why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.

About the Role

The Science desk of The New York Times is looking for a creative, energetic reporter to cover scientific research in America. We’re looking for someone who can tap and cultivate a large and diverse network of sources to bring us stories that capture the excitement and human stakes of scientific discovery at a tumultuous moment in American history. This includes major investments and funding cuts, rising and falling academic stars, A.I.’s growing influence, intensifying competition with China, the personalities and pressures behind pathbreaking research, disputes over authorship and academic integrity, and more. The ideal candidate will be an elegant writer with a mastery of narrative writing as well as news and explanatory pieces, and possess a proven ability to translate complex subjects for a general audience.

This is a remote position based in the U.S. and will require extensive travel.

Responsibilities

  • File frequently at a range of lengths and forms — news, explainers, features — and be excited about participating in formats, like visual explainers and video.
  • Write clear, concise, and engaging stories that pull in readers while adhering to standards and style guidelines.
  • Use established and develop additional sources to land exclusive stories to cover this beat authoritatively.
  • Monitor news and deliver a steady stream of story ideas that help explain the beat.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across the newsroom.
  • Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
  • This role reports to a Science editor.

Basic Qualifications

  • 7+ years of journalism experience
  • Experience writing about complex subjects with elegance, sensitivity and fairness

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working as a reporter in high-pressure, deadline-driven newsrooms
  • A strong understanding of Times style and standards
  • A willingness to be flexible as the newsroom's needs evolve

Additional Information

This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY. REQ- 020084. The annual base pay range for this role is between $124,979.94 - $160,000 USD. For roles in the U.S., dependent on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs. For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process.

The New York Times Company is committed to being the world’s best source of independent, reliable and quality journalism. We embrace a diverse workforce that has a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s Know Your Rights Poster is available here. The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email reasonable.accommodations@nytimes.com. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

The Company encourages those with criminal histories to apply and will consider their applications in a manner consistent with applicable "Fair Chance" laws. For information about The New York Times' privacy practices for job applicants click here.

Beware of fraudulent job postings. Scammers may post fraudulent job opportunities and may even make fraudulent employment offers to collect personal information and money from victims. All legitimate job opportunities from The New York Times will be accessible through The New York Times careers site. The New York Times will not ask job applicants for financial information or for payment and will not refer you to a third party to do so. You should never send money to anyone who suggests they can provide employment with The New York Times. If you see a fake or fraudulent job posting, or if you suspect you have received a fraudulent offer, you can report it to The New York Times at NYTapplicants@nytimes.com. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission or your state attorney general.

Key skills/competency

  • Journalism
  • Science Reporting
  • Narrative Writing
  • Investigative Journalism
  • Source Development
  • Complex Subject Translation
  • News Reporting
  • Explanatory Journalism
  • Digital Storytelling
  • Deadline Driven

Skills & topics

  • National Correspondent
  • Science
  • Journalism
  • Reporter
  • Science Journalism
  • Investigative Journalism
  • Narrative Writing
  • New York Times
  • Remote
  • US-based

How to get hired

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight 7+ years of journalism experience and proven ability to write about complex science.
  • Showcase writing skills: Provide clips demonstrating narrative, news, and explainer styles for complex subjects.
  • Emphasize source development: Detail experience building and maintaining diverse, reliable sources.
  • Understand NYT standards: Familiarize yourself with The Times' style, ethics, and mission.
  • Prepare for travel: Confirm willingness and ability to travel extensively for reporting.

Technical preparation

Review recent science news and trends.,Study NYT's science reporting style.,Practice writing complex subjects concisely.,Prepare to discuss source development strategies.

Behavioral questions

Describe a challenging science story you covered.,How do you verify complex scientific information?,How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?,How do you build and maintain sources?

Frequently asked questions

What is the salary range for the National Correspondent, Science role at The New York Times?
The annual base pay range for the National Correspondent, Science position at The New York Times is between $124,979.94 and $160,000 USD. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, experience, and location.
Is the National Correspondent, Science position at The New York Times remote?
Yes, the National Correspondent, Science position at The New York Times is a remote position based in the U.S. However, it will require extensive travel.
What are the key responsibilities for a National Correspondent, Science at The New York Times?
Key responsibilities include reporting on scientific research in America, developing and cultivating sources, writing news, explainers, and features, translating complex subjects for a general audience, and collaborating with colleagues across the newsroom.
What qualifications are required for the National Correspondent, Science role at The New York Times?
The basic qualifications include 7+ years of journalism experience and experience writing about complex subjects with elegance, sensitivity, and fairness. Preferred qualifications include experience in high-pressure newsrooms and a strong understanding of The Times' style and standards.
What benefits are offered for the National Correspondent, Science position at The New York Times?
Benefits may include medical, dental, and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and professional development programs. Additional variable pay like annual bonuses and restricted stock may also be available.
How does The New York Times ensure diversity and inclusion in hiring for the National Correspondent, Science role?
The New York Times is committed to embracing a diverse workforce with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences at all levels. They encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and are an Equal Opportunity Employer, prohibiting discrimination based on various protected characteristics.
What should I do if I suspect a fraudulent job posting for The New York Times?
If you suspect a fraudulent job posting or offer, you should report it to The New York Times at NYTapplicants@nytimes.com. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission or your state attorney general. Be wary of requests for financial information or payment.