Faculty Research Assistant-Multimedia Communications Fellow

Job Description Summary & Additional Information

About UMCES and Maryland Sea Grant

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is a premier research institution dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the environment and applying that knowledge to

address pressing environmental challenges. With a mission to conduct world-class research, educate future environmental leaders, and provide unbiased scientific information to inform public policy, the

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) plays a vital role in protecting and restoring our natural resources. UMCES researchers work across a wide range of disciplines, from

ecology and oceanography to environmental economics and social science, to understand complex environmental challenges facing Maryland, the nation, and the world.

For over 40 years, Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) has worked to support research to address knowledge gaps in science-based management; to guide extension and outreach efforts to engage multiple

audiences; and to drive formal and nonformal education work to build a science-literate workforce across the Chesapeake and coastal bays and their watersheds. Integrating among these efforts, MDSG creates programming to address critical environmental issues, including restoring water quality, supporting sustainable fisheries, addressing climate change, and building resilient communities.

Maryland Sea Grant fosters healthy coastal ecosystems, communities, and economies through science, education, outreach, and broad collaboration.

Position Summary

Maryland 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.

Responsibilities

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.

Required Qualifications

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 Qualifications of Competitive Applicants

This fellowship emphasizes video production, but please note this is a multimedia communicator role. The selected candidate will play a part in a variety of projects. Preferred experience includes social

media content creation, archiving/file organization, writing, and website content management.

Required Application Materials

1. Resume (not to exceed 2 pages)

2. Statement of personal, educational, and career goals (not to exceed 1,000 words) The candidate should describe why they applied for the position, discuss their experiences in communicating about scientific topics to non-expert audiences, and explain their expectation of how this fellowship would contribute to career development.

3. Three work samples demonstrating experience in video production, photography, writing, and/or other methods of science communication

4. Clear copies of undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) student transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)

5. Two references and their contact information

Applications 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, 2026

Posting Close Date: November 16, 2026

Open Until Filled: no

Department

UMCES-Sea Grant College

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$60,000 to $65,000

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Center’s policies, programs, and activities are in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origi