All remote work must be performed within the United States and within a state where Harvard University is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA)
The goal of the Nieman Journalism Lab (www.niemanlab.org) is to identify and encourage changes that can expand the production of quality journalism in America. We do so by tracking innovation, examining new business models, identifying best practices, and trying to be a forward-looking voice in figuring out the future of journalism. The new staff writer for the Lab will work with existing staff to help achieve this goal.
Position Description
This position revolves around a specific beat: “Generative AI meets journalism.” Nieman Lab has been appropriately wary of technologies hailed as game-changers for journalism (cryptocurrency/blockchain, micropayments, many video efforts, earlier iterations of AI), but we believe that generative AI — defined as algorithms like DALL-E and ChatGPT that can create new content like text, photos, and video — has the potential to change the news industry as much as the iPhone did more than a decade ago. We are already experimenting with generative AI to create art for our stories, and readers are asking us questions about the topic. We’ll set the standard for smart, authoritative, and appropriately skeptical coverage of the ways that generative AI affects our industry, for better and worse. This staff writer will cover topics like:
a) Journalism’s incorporation of generative AI into news production and distribution: Automated news writing, automation of newsroom tasks, recommendations, personalized news, and art
b) Publishers’ decisions about and experiments with how to use the technology; emerging best practices
c) Generative AI’s effects on search traffic and digital business models
d) Generative AI’s many problems (racial bias and gender bias, the creation of misinformation) and their consequences for journalism.
We are looking for a staff writer who is driven, self-motivated, and able to take the initiative to produce timely, well-reported stories. A background in tech journalism is a huge plus.
This position will involve working with other Lab, Nieman Foundation, or Harvard staff on other projects and initiatives where appropriate, including engaging with the Nieman Fellows and working on our social media platforms.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree. Minimum 2 years experience as a working journalist. (We will consider student journalist experience.) Strong familiarity with the production and distribution of news online. Excellent writing and reporting skills, source management, and the ability to generate story ideas are musts.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Online journalism experience and familiarity with the Nieman Journalism Lab are strongly preferred. Attention to detail. Ability to work under deadlines, set priorities, and work collaboratively in a team environment.
Additional Information
- This is a 3-year term position.
- Work Location: Remote
- All remote work must be performed within the United States and within a state where Harvard University is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA).
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
