Fast Facts

The Exploratorium seeks a Bilingual Senior Science Writer to translate and create engaging science content in English and Korean for exhibits and signage. This full-time, fixed-term position involves collaboration with diverse teams and clients while contributing ideas for exhibit development.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include researching, writing, and editing bilingual scientific content, collaborating with various professionals on exhibitions, and providing consultation on Korean language accuracy and cultural relevance.

Skills: Fluency in English and Korean, strong writing and editing skills, experience in science communication, and proficiency in interdisciplinary collaboration are essential.

Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree or higher, five years of professional writing experience, and a relevant portfolio of published works in both languages preferred.

Location: This position is based in San Francisco, CA.

Compensation: $50 - $50 / Hourly

SUMMARY

The Bilingual Science Writer is responsible for translating scientific concepts into accurate, engaging, concise, and audience-appropriate language in both English and Korean. They are a strong communicator with editorial expertise. This position will independently research, write, and evaluate content for exhibition and exhibit labels and signage. They will collaborate with scientists, artists, teachers, exhibit and digital developers, engineers, and graphic and digital designers. They are expected to contribute ideas to projects and programs. This position will serve as the primary liaison with the East Asia Project client in the review and revision of Korean content and interpretive text for the museum project, balancing client needs and goals with professional standards for accuracy, visitor engagement, education, and content cohesion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Writing: Research, curate, edit, interview, and consistently develop engaging, accurate, and current science content for a variety of projects with minimal supervision. This includes developing, writing, and editing interpretive content in both English and Korean; establishing and applying a Korean text style guide; and reviewing Korean translations for tone, accuracy, voice, and reading level.
• Collaboration: Work closely with scientists, artists, developers and designers, visitor research and evaluation, and other staff on exhibitions, digital projects, activities, and programs. Collaborate with translators and Korean content experts to ensure culturally appropriate and accurate Korean content, and provide support to other writers on Korean language research and contacts.
• Concept Development and Planning: In collaboration with other Science Writers, Exhibit Developers, and project leaders, propose, research, and vet scientific content. Participate in client meetings and presentations, assist in revising design documents based on feedback, and suggest culturally appropriate Korean references for integration into interpretive media.
• Exhibit Content Development and Curation: Research and develop ideas for informational graphics, videos, and other exhibition elements in collaboration with exhibit developers, designers, and media producers. Review graphic layouts to ensure Korean-language content is accurate and culturally appropriate for Korean-speaking audiences.
• Iteration: Incorporate feedback and edits from others and rewrite copy as needed. Work closely with clients and translators to revise translated Korean content and address review comments, ensuring future drafts align with style and audience needs.
• Consultation: Offer language and cultural expertise as needed, especially regarding Korean translation accuracy, tone, and audience relevance.
• Flexibility: Adapt to project constraints with proactive solutions, including those involving multilingual workflows and culturally specific content needs.
• Judgment: Make timely writing and editorial decisions, demonstrating strong creative discernment and discipline—particularly in shaping bilingual content that meets museum and audience standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree or higher, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum five years’ professional writing and science writing experience including researching, interviewing, rewriting, editing, and proofreading
• Fluent and biliterate in English and Korean (assessment will be administered)
• Ability to review, transcribe, and translate between English and Korean
• Experience translating complex science content for a non-scientist audience, preferably in a non-profit environment
• Experience planning and developing content for museum exhibitions or other large-scale science communication projects
• A professional portfolio of published written pieces in both English and Korean
• A tactful, cooperative attitude when editing, and willingness to be edited by others
• Demonstrated dedication to accuracy and detail; willing to work through multiple revisions of projects
• Talent for collaboration and effective teamwork, and demonstrated ability to work with people at all levels of an organization
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and juggle multiple projects with minimal supervision
• Ability to build work estimates for projects and complete work within budgeted hours

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working on museum exhibitions
• Familiarity with Korean culture

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is a fixed-term (10/7/2025 – 4/30/2029), full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt, union position that includes benefits. The starting rate for this role is $50.44. This rate represents step 4 on a 6-step union pay scale. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium jobs page.

PROFESSIONAL WRITING SAMPLES REQUIRED: Your cover letter is a writing sample. Find a way to grab our attention while still maintaining an informal yet professional tone. Also, please send three samples of your writing, ideally about science content for the general public. Include these samples in a PDF together with your cover letter. 

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Exploratorium

Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111

Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please

The Exploratorium is committed to an inclusive workforce.