Wirecutter is seeking an associate staff writer to join our sleep team, which covers mattresses, white noise machines, sleep masks, weighted blankets, and more.

 

As an associate staff writer, you will report directly to the supervising editor of the sleep team. You'll be responsible for conducting research and testing products to help maintain Wirecutter's extensive catalog of sleep product reviews. This could include testing sleep gear at home, like mattresses (we'll keep yours safe in storage) or sunrise alarm clocks, or running in-office panel testing. You will often work collaboratively with other members of our team on testing and writing, as well as with other teams across our newsroom to produce short-form articles and off-platform journalism about the products we review.

 

The ideal candidate will be a curious and creative researcher and writer. A passion for finding unique and qualified sources to bolster our mattress reporting is important, as is a healthy skepticism toward marketing claims.

 

You'll be expected to develop proficiency writing in Wirecutter's standard guide format, and to explain your findings clearly and concisely. You'll also have the opportunity to pitch and develop short-form content both within and outside of the sleep beat.

 

This is a hybrid position based in New York City in Wirecutter's Long Island City office and includes regular attendance in the office each week per your departmental guidance.

 

Responsibilities:

Research, report, and write long-form guides and short-form stories on your beat

Collaborate with editors and other writers to create test plans, make pick recommendations, and move ideas from pitch to publish

Visit mattress stores, and attend trade shows and product news events as needed to build contacts and expertise in relevant topic areas

Work with the photo team in our Long Island City office to help manage photo shoots for your assigned guides

Work with our community team to respond to reader feedback and questions

Collaborate with our social, video and newsletters team to bring your reporting to life off-platform

Work with our affiliate team to resolve stock issues on recommendations

Work with our operations team on product orders and testing plans

Seek out and appropriately source sound health advice on sleep, from peer-reviewed articles, medical doctors and other clinicians, and public health institutions.

Perform related work as assigned

Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.

 

Basic Qualifications:

At least one year of experience professional reporting experience. (Significant experience on the college level may be acceptable.) We're looking for an enthusiastic, open-minded reporter.

Experience writing in-depth how-to guides is valuable, as is experience covering products or services—especially involving hands-on or lab testing

 

Preferred Qualifications:

An understanding of why one would feel a need to deeply research a purchase, and an ability to explain why one product is better than another in a natural, accessible, and detailed way

An inherent skepticism of marketing claims, and a commitment to high standards of reporting and accuracy

Meet deadlines and proactively address roadblocks

REQ-019149