Faculty Research Assistant-Multimedia Communications Fellow

Multimedia Communications FellowshipMaryland Sea Grant's Multimedia Communications Fellowship is an opportunity to work alongside a team of professional communicators while honing science storytelling skills. This is a one-year, full-time fellowship opportunity with the option to renew.The Multimedia Communications Fellow will use communications tools and techniques to explain and share findings from scientists, extension specialists, and other sources to help advance public understanding and management of Maryland's coastal resources. This person will join Maryland Sea Grant's communications team, which produces digital and print content for a range of audiences. These communications products include our award-winning Chesapeake Quarterly magazine, our website (mdsg.umd.edu), videos, articles, social media, and reports and other publications.The successful candidate will have created and published multimedia communications products, including video productions and photography. They should be proficient in shooting, editing, and producing video and still photography using DSLR or mirrorless cameras, lighting, and audio equipment. They should have experience with editing software and an understanding of video compression, file types, and publishing. This role will provide real-world experience in researching, reporting, and writing, as well as collaborative work as part of a team. The fellowship will build the successful candidate's skills in combining technical information with creative storytelling to explain complex scientific concepts accurately and clearly for non-scientist audiences.This is a hybrid position. The fellow will have office space at the Maryland Sea Grant office in College Park, Maryland, and will be required to come into the office following a hybrid working agreement. Fellows will travel for in-person meetings and activities in Maryland and on occasion the Mid-Atlantic region. Our office policy allows remote work several days per week and flexibility in working hours.Specific opportunities of this fellowship include filming and editing video footage for various projects ranging from brief clips to longer videos, photographing projects and events, contributing to writing efforts to include video scripts, blogs, website copy, and reports, and working with our digital media archive. This role will entail an estimated 70% visual multimedia work, such as producing videos and capturing and organizing photos, and 30% writing and other communications support, which may include drafting written copy, working with our website, and collaborating on team projects. Examples of projects include scripting and producing videos about aquaculture production methods and best practices, joining staff in the field to document their projects, and collaborating with a team to develop a new website.Maryland Sea Grant's fellowships provide professional development experience in addition to direct work experience. The fellowship includes funds to develop specific skills through workshops, trainings, and/or conferences, to be determined in consultation with the fellowship supervisor.This fellowship requires a bachelor's degree in a biological or earth sciences and/or communications field and demonstrated professional experience with photography and videography. Interest in science communication, particularly regarding Maryland's coastal and marine systems and communities, is essential. Candidate must have at least three years' experience producing videos, photos, and/or other communications materials about science, as demonstrated by their resume and portfolio. The selected candidate will be required to review and accept the UMCES Principles of Conduct.Preferred experience includes social media content creation, archiving/file organization, writing, and website content management.Required Application Materials:Resume (not to exceed 2 pages)Statement of personal, educational, and career goals (not to exceed 1,000 words)Three work samples demonstrating experience in video production, photography, writing, and/or other methods of science communicationClear copies of undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) student transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)Two references and their contact informationApplications will not be considered until all required documents are received. If you have questions, please contact Maryland Sea Grant well before the application due date.Salary: Maryland Sea Grant's fellowships target professionals in the early stages of their careers. Fellows will be employees classified as faculty research assistants at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. This position is a one-year, full-time fellowship opportunity with the option to renew, with an annualized salary of $60,000-$65,000 plus fringe benefits, including healthcare options.Sea Grant is committed to building research, extension, communication, and education programs that serve people with unique backgrounds, circumstances, needs, perspectives and ways of thinking. We encourage applicants of all ages, races, ethnicities, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, cultures, religions, citizenship types, marital status, job classifications, veteran status, and income, and socioeconomic status types to apply for this opportunity.Best Consideration Date: November 15, 2026Posting Close Date: November 16, 2026Open Until Filled: no