Description

The Morgridge Institute for Research seeks a student intern (undergraduate or graduate-level) with a passion for science communication and social media storytelling. The Social Media & Communications Intern will help manage the institute’s social media presence across several platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (previously Twitter), and Bluesky.

You will have the opportunity to report, write, and edit news stories related to Morgridge’s scientific and community engagement activities. You’ll work under the direction of Science Editor Alicia Williams and the Morgridge Communications and Development teams.

This is a hybrid position, with in-person attendance at regular team meetings and flexible remote working hours expected.

Responsibilities And Workload

60% Social Media Management

Generate, edit and schedule/publish content daily (using text, images, and video) for the Morgridge Institute social profiles.
Moderate audience-generated messages and engage with stakeholders on our social media platforms.
Measure and report on engagement metrics of social platforms, and identify opportunities based on analytics.
Monitor social media trends and identify ways to leverage new strategies that align with Morgridge’s goals.
Support the strategy and execution of the Wisconsin Science Festival social media accounts for the weeks leading up to the event and week of the festival (October 15–25th, 2026).

30% Writing and Media Relations

Create and send targeted Wisconsin Science Festival news releases to media outlets statewide.
Identify and brainstorm story leads, both independently and collaboratively with the Morgridge communications team.
Write Morgridge science stories and features for the morgridge.org website and for use in our monthly e-newsletter, SPARK.

10% Event Marketing

Create and/or copyedit content to promote Morgridge event campaigns for use on the website, email marketing, social media, and online ad placements.
Manage and monitor engagement on social media ads.
Assist communications and development teams in measuring effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

Requirements

The successful candidate will be committed to the Morgridge Institute’s mission of improving human health through biomedical research and inspiring society’s curiosity about science. Candidates will have an academic background in journalism, English, public relations, strategic communications or a related field.

You must have direct experience in managing a social media presence for a business, volunteer organization, or student organization. Some experience writing for a print or online publication is also required.

The position requires the ability to work independently and be comfortable communicating with teammates through a variety of online tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack, Google Docs).

Familiarity with AP style and the Microsoft Office Suite is required. Hands-on experience with Canva and/or the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) is desired but not required.

Internship Details

The position will start in Spring 2026, but only applicants who are available to stay on through the 2026–27 academic year will be considered. The internship offers an opportunity to gain excellent work experience in strategic communications and the ability to collaborate with staff of the Morgridge Institute and partners at UW–Madison.

Weekly hours will range from 15–20 depending on workload and class schedule. Starting pay is $15 per hour.

To Apply

Submit your resume, cover letter, writing sample (news article, blog post, press release, magazine article, etc.) and up to three examples of your professional social media experience, such as link(s) or screenshot(s) of successful social media posts you managed for a business, volunteer organization, or student organization.

Application deadline: We will review applications beginning April 7, 2026, and will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Morgridge Institute for Research

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Social Media & Communications Intern