Contract English/Korean Museum Translation Editor

The Exploratorium is a not-for-profit museum dedicated to the public understanding of science, art, and human perception. It has pioneered the role of museums as active teaching centers with original programming based on an interactive approach to learning. It serves as an interdisciplinary resource for schools, universities, scientists, and artists, as well as for the public. SUMMARY The Exploratorium seeks an experienced professional English-to-Korean Translation Editor to expertly shape and define Korean stylistic and linguistic guidelines for a science museum, including (but not limited to) establishing an appropriate Korean voice and style for a science learning environment, determining effective communication strategies for complex scientific terminology aimed at a general Korean audience, and defining grammatical, spelling, and naming conventions. This role will also review, edit, and proofread draft Korean translations of museum text, ensuring that all copy is accurate, engaging, concise, audience-appropriate, and consistent with the meaning and intent of the original English text. This contract position will work collaboratively with our San Francisco-based staff translator/writer as well as with our Korean-based client to help us develop a consistent approach to English-to-Korean translation in a science museum setting. This is envisioned as a fully remote position; the Contractor will ideally be based in South Korea or the United States. Candidates in other locations may be considered. SCOPE OF WORK • Develop a Korean language style guide, including English-to-Korean translation guidelines, Korean voice and tone standards, and Korean editorial style guidelines (in collaboration with in-house translator/writer). • Edit and proofread about 2,000 words of Korean language exhibit label text across approximately 200 labels (including 1 round of editing + three rounds of proofreading for each label). • Serve as a sounding board and thought partner for our in-house Korean writer. • Attend weekly internal team meetings and biweekly client meetings. This contract will run for one year from signing with the possibility of extension. We are assuming a not-to-exceed scope of 500 hours of work at an hourly rate to be negotiated with the preferred candidate commensurate with experience. REQUIREMENTS • Ability to work independently as a contractor • Availability for 7-25 hours per week including meeting time (higher for the first several months while developing Korean style guide) • Ability to attend virtual meetings and client calls during Korea morning hours/San Francisco early evening hours • Equipment necessary to perform the work, including a reliable computer and internet connection. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • BA/BS degree or higher, or equivalent combination of education and experience • Minimum seven years’ professional translation experience (preferably in a public science communication or museum setting) • Fluent (bilingual and biliterate) in English and Korean • Experience translating complex science content for non-scientist Korean audiences • A professional portfolio of translated written pieces in both English and Korean • A tactful, cooperative attitude when editing • Demonstrated dedication to accuracy and detail; willingness to work through multiple revisions PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Ten years of experience in museum-related communication work, science writing/translation, and/or public science communication • Academic training in Korean language studies or a related field • Experience supervising or collaborating with other translators in developing translations for a public audience APPLICATION To apply, please send your resume, several work samples, and a letter of interest to: [email protected] Apply tot his job