Question 1

Do I need to be a scientist or a grad student to get involved?

Accepted Answer

All editors and staff must be current UC Berkeley graduate students. Writers should be UC Berkeley graduate students, postdocs, or affiliates. The club does not accept undergraduates as writers or editors at this time, but refers interested undergrads to the Berkeley Scientific Journal. Prior experience with writing, editing, illustration, or design is a plus but not required.

Question 2

What roles can I join as?

Accepted Answer

There are two main staff tracks: Editors, who develop story ideas, work with writers, handle distribution, and solicit funding; and Designers, who handle page layout, photo permissions, and visual storytelling with the Art Director. Writers can also pitch articles independently without joining the full staff.

Question 3

When do positions open and how do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Staff positions typically open at the beginning of the semi-annual editing cycles in June and December. Announcements go out through the BSR email list and social media. To apply or pitch an article, email sciencereview@gmail.com with a short query letter (pitch) of about one page describing your story idea, the Berkeley angle, and whom you plan to interview.

Question 4

Is this a paid position?

Accepted Answer

No. All roles are volunteer-based and there is no pay involved.

Question 5

What topics does the magazine cover?

Accepted Answer

The magazine covers a wide range of scientific disciplines including life science, climate change, tech and AI, physics, astronomy, and science policy. Writers are encouraged to pick topics outside their own research area, and articles are written to be accessible to any curious reader, not just specialists.

Berkeley Science Review