Application Instructions

Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samplesto be considered for the position.

Why This Role Matters

The Washington Post is seeking an ambitious, intellectually curious and authoritative journalist to chronicle the discoveries that are transforming medicine, science and our deepening understanding of the human body.

This is a unique opportunity to build a beat focused on the breakthroughs that will shape the future of health and medicine. The reporter will identify the most consequential advances across medicine, biology, genetics, biotechnology, drug development, diagnostics, surgery, and vaccines to help readers understand not only what scientists are discovering, but why those discoveries matter.

We are looking for an experienced, well-sourced journalist with exceptional reporting instincts and the ability to distinguish genuine breakthroughs from incremental advances and overhyped claims. The ideal candidate combines scientific rigor with elegant storytelling, producing a mix of exclusive reporting, ambitious narratives and authoritative explanatory journalism that captures both the excitement of discovery and the discipline of scientific inquiry.

This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.

What Motivates You:

• You are fascinated by scientific discovery and the questions that shape our understanding of diseases, treatments, health and the human body.
• You enjoy translating complex research into stories that captivate broad audiences.
• You are driven to separate meaningful breakthroughs from scientific hype and misinformation.
• You are energized by telling stories that combine rigorous reporting with wonder and curiosity.
• You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy experimenting with innovative storytelling formats.

How You'll Support the Mission:

• Identify and report on the most significant scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs across medicine, biology, genetics, biotechnology, physics, mathematics, space science, paleontology and related fields.
• Develop original reporting on the scientists, institutions, companies and government agencies driving or disrupting scientific innovation. Feature the human stories behind the medical advances.
• Produce a mix of breaking news, exclusive reporting, explanatory journalism and deeply reported narrative features. Highlight emerging fields and promising ideas before they become widely understood.
• Evaluate new research critically, helping readers distinguish transformational discoveries from incremental advances and overstated claims.
• Explain complex scientific concepts in ways that are clear, engaging and accessible to general audiences.
• Collaborate with visuals teams across the newsroom to create immersive, visually rich journalism.
• Develop ambitious storytelling franchises that establish The Post as a destination for coverage of scientific discovery.
• Engage audiences through newsletters, social media, video, podcasts, live events and other evolving storytelling platforms.

The Skills and Experiences You Bring:

• A track record of producing exceptional reporting on science, medicine or related fields.
• Deep understanding of the scientific process and the ability to critically evaluate research and evidence.
• Knowledge of the government institutions that support American scientific and biomedical innovation and funding.
• Excellent reporting, interviewing and source-building skills.
• A stylish, engaging writing style capable of moving between breaking news, explanatory journalism and narrative storytelling.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible journalism without sacrificing accuracy.
• Strong editorial judgment and the ability to identify discoveries with lasting significance.
• A collaborative mindset and eagerness to work across disciplines.
• A commitment to scientific rigor, fairness and the highest standards of journalism.

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, résumé and three examples of their work (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Sept. 30 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Health, Climate & Science Editor Lynh Bui, Deputy Futures Editor Juliet Eilperin and Futures Editor Zachary Goldfarb.

The starting salary range for this position is $120,000 - $180,000. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.

Collaboration makes us stronger. That's why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.

Compensation and Benefits

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and two personal days
• 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
• Robust mental health resources
• Backup care and caregiver concierge services
• Gender affirming services
• Pet insurance
• Free Post digital subscription
• Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

Your story awaits. Apply today!

Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.