STAT - Reporter, Commercial Determinants of Health

About STAT

In November 2015, STAT was launched as a media company focused on health, medicine, and life sciences. We have become an authoritative and trustworthy news source for coverage of the world of biotech and pharma, the business of health care, health tech, science, chronic diseases, public health, and health policy. Our team has won numerous journalism awards, including being named a Pulitzer finalist in 2021 and 2024 and winning two George Polk Awards, and multiple Online Journalism Awards. The STAT brand includes a website, mobile app, numerous newsletters, live and virtual events, podcasts, and other products. STAT is affiliated with Boston Globe Media Partners but is independent from The Boston Globe.

The Role

STAT is looking for a reporter to investigate the commercial determinants of health — that is, the many ways corporate actions contribute to chronic diseases by influencing people to make healthy or unhealthy choices in the products they buy and the behaviors they pursue. These corporate actions might include exploiting research, advertising, lobbying to shape regulations and legislation, leveraging social media, and other tactics to sell products that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, or addiction; they might also include information campaigns that sway public opinion on health policy proposals, as well as workplace and environmental practices. 

In 2022, STAT was the first newsroom to create a full-time beat covering commercial determinants of health, and since then we have reported on smoking and vaping; ultra-processed foods, raw milk, and other food safety issues; the rise of the legalized marijuana industry; and limitations of Food and Drug Administration regulation. 

What You’ll Do:

• Tell smart, compelling stories about how and when commercial interests are shaping people’s health, often for the worse. We want to investigate and understand the stakes, the techniques, the target audience, and the impact on society.
• Dig into hidden connections between corporations and research labs; between corporations and regulators; between corporations and consumers.
• Examine the safety of hyped new products and the impact on consumers’ lives.
• Work with other reporters on a top-notch team producing deep and vital enterprise and investigative reporting on chronic disease.
• Contribute items to STAT newsletters, participate in STAT events, and cover other duties or other spot stories from time to time.

Who You Are

• At least five years of journalism experience, including coverage of health or science issues.
• Proven ability to break news, generate ideas, dive deep, clarify the complex, and write with precision and compassion
• Ability to take initiative and be productive when working alone, and openness to collaborating with others at STAT
• Willingness to try out different story forms
• A willingness to adapt and be audience-focused, with a curious mindset and a commitment to creating an inclusive work environment

We know that there are strong candidates who may not fit precisely into what we’ve described above or who have important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, a 401k plan, generous vacation, parental leave, and more. 

This position can be based in our Boston headquarters or remotely. While the location is flexible, occasional travel is likely. That would include trips to STAT’s headquarters and travel to other cities for reporting purposes. This position is a union position covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Boston Newspaper Guild.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and links to up to five clips that showcase your reporting. (Links should be included at the end of  your resume or cover letter. In your resume and/or cover letter, please feel free to note which pronouns you use.) You can email questions to Managing Editor Gideon Gil and Editorial Director Laura Chang, who are running the search.  [email protected] [email protected].

STAT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strive to create a culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates all voices. A staff that reflects the world around us makes for better — and more accurate — journalism.

This position is a union position covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Boston Newspaper Guild.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

EEO Statement:

At Boston Globe Media, our mission is to empower, connect, and convene our communities with independent, trusted journalism and storytelling. We know a critical part to achieve this is by having a workforce that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive - like the communities we serve. Boston Globe Media is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes candidates and colleagues of all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and skills.