Date Posted	October 20, 2025
Industry	Nonprofit
Specialty	Not Specified
Remote / Telecommute	Telecommute
Job Status	Freelance
Salary	$30-$80 Hourly DOE, negotiable

Description:

About SPUN

SPUN's mission is to map and protect the mycorrhizal fungal networks that regulate Earth's climate and ecosystems. These fungi draw down approximately 13 billion tons of CO2 annually (about one-third of global energy-related emissions) through extensive underground networks. We are developing tools that leverage fungi to preserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change. Our approach integrates remote sensing, AI, robotics, and collaborations with global researchers and local communities across some of the most remote and hard-to-access ecosystems on Earth. We use our findings to educate individuals, companies, landowners, and governments on the importance of protecting and managing underground ecosystems. Our aim is to accelerate efforts to protect the underground ecosystems that have been largely absent from global restoration projects and conservation and climate agendas.

Why SPUN?

Work at the forefront of fungal science. We invite you to join SPUN's team of scientists who are dedicated to finding innovative solutions to protect our planet. SPUN prides itself on developing new techniques and pushing the frontiers of fungal biology from the micro-level to the global scale. We have been cited in the world's leading press and scientific journals for our groundbreaking work.

Develop partnerships with other leading institutes around the world. Applications of cutting edge research are limited without deep and collaborative partnerships. SPUN works hard to build partnerships with leading institutes in conservation, climate, and community-led action to build collective impact within our fields. We are looking to build a team of innovative, creative, and impact-driven myconauts who want to help bring our core science to the next level.

Contribute to decolonizing science. We aim to lead by example in promoting diversity and decolonial science. We are actively working to address biases in mycorrhizal science and endeavor to center the wellbeing of most affected people and areas in our research. In this regard, we prioritize under-researched areas and collaborators in the Global South for our work, while providing capacity-building grants and partnership opportunities with local researchers. We are also actively working with Indigenous communities in Chile and Ecuador, and will continue to expand our partnerships with other Indigenous communities, to integrate non-western Science ways of knowing into our work.

Work with a global team. SPUN’s team members operate from various locations worldwide, embracing remote work for flexibility and work-life balance. Our team’s global presence aligns with our research expeditions, which have taken us to remote ecoregions in Tierra del Fuego, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Corsica, the Atacama, and the Galapagos Islands.

About the Role

SPUN is seeking a Science Writer/Journalist to help raise the visibility of our Underground Explorers Program (UEP) and its scientists across regions and audiences. This role is dedicated to science-driven storytelling—translating complex mycorrhizal and ecological research into compelling narratives that inspire public awareness, scientific collaboration, and policy action.

You’ll amplify UEP research, stories, and voices—particularly in Spanish-speaking countries and the Global South—through media coverage, events, and digital platforms. By driving exposure and tracking its impact, you’ll support UEP scientists in gaining recognition, building networks, and shaping local and global conversations around conservation, climate, and ecosystem management.

Key Responsibilities

Science Journalism & Storytelling

• Research, report, and write science-based stories that highlight UEP discoveries, fieldwork, and impact.

• Pitch feature stories, interviews, and op-eds to reputable media outlets—particularly across Latin America and other regions of the Global South.

• Conduct interviews with UEP scientists and translate technical findings into accessible, engaging content for general audiences.

• Develop articles, multimedia pieces, and story packages for the SPUN website, newsletters, and external publications.

• Collaborate with SPUN’s Communications team to ensure narrative consistency and scientific accuracy across platforms.

• Support the production of short-format documentaries, podcasts, or multimedia spotlights that showcase UEP scientists’ work in the field.
  
  

Media Relations & Amplification

• Build and maintain relationships with editors, reporters, and science desks globally, with emphasis on Spanish-speaking media.

• Secure media features, interviews, and speaking opportunities that elevate UEP scientists and their contributions to environmental science.

• Develop a consistent UEP presence across digital channels, ensuring stories reach both academic and public audiences.
  
  

Impact Measurement

• Track and report on communications outcomes (e.g., number of publications, interviews, social media reach, and speaking opportunities).

• Design systems to assess the impact of increased media visibility on UEP scientists’ recognition and collaborations.
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience in science journalism or environmental reporting, ideally covering topics such as biodiversity, ecology, conservation, or climate science.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific research into accessible, engaging stories for non-specialist audiences.

• Strong record of published work in reputable media outlets (samples required).
  
  

• Fluency in English and Spanish strongly preferred; ability to write and pitch in both languages is a significant advantage.

• Existing press relationships in Latin America or Spanish-speaking regions a plus.

• Background in communications, journalism, or environmental sciences is beneficial.

• Ability to manage multiple projects independently, collaborate across time zones, and adapt to a fast-moving organization.

Contract Structure & Compensation

• Contractor role reporting to and collaborating with SPUN’s Communications team.

• Flexible, remote engagement (~15–20 hours/month, to be confirmed based on scope).

• Compensation: Monthly retainer with potential performance-based bonuses for successfully placed stories in external media.

• Initial contract: 3–6 months, with potential to extend based on impact and funding.

What You’ll Be Part Of

At SPUN, we’re mapping the world beneath our feet — revealing the hidden fungal networks that sustain life on Earth. As a member of the SPUN team, you’ll join a global movement of scientists and storytellers advancing mycorrhizal research and conservation across continents.

We work at the intersection of science, communication, and environmental action, connecting researchers, technologists, and local communities to build a new understanding of underground ecosystems. Every story you tell helps illuminate the unseen world that sustains forests, grasslands, and food systems — and contributes to real-world conservation impact.

SPUN is a fast-moving, mission-driven, and deeply collaborative team. We value curiosity, creativity, and purpose — and we’re looking for a journalist who shares our wonder for the living networks that connect us all.

To apply:

Please complete the application form in BambooHR. You will be asked to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.
Please note: we will notify you before contacting any references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
We encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply.
At SPUN, we embrace diversity as a fundamental pillar of our mission to protect underground ecosystems. Our commitment to decolonizing science is dependent on the diversity of knowledge and experience on our team and among our partners across the globe. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or background, feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We highly encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented or repressed groups, including but not limited to women, LGBTQIA, individuals from the Global South, and individuals with Indigenous heritage, to apply to join our team at SPUN.

To learn more about our company and culture, please visit our website www.spun.earth

Apply

https://spun.bamboohr.com/careers/31