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Associate Scientific Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Scientist I

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

... scientific rationale, methodology and results in written and oral formats. Key Responsibilities: * Follow established experimental protocols and assess results with supervision * Maintain a "can-do ...

Process Development Associate Scientist What you will do Let's do this. Let's change the world. In ... written communication skills for timely documentation, presentation, and discussion of scientific ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Scientific Writer information

See California salary details

$21

$46

$72

How much do associate scientific writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate scientific writer in California is $46.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.22 and $57.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate scientific writer do?

An Associate Scientific Writer is responsible for creating, editing, and reviewing scientific documents such as manuscripts, research articles, regulatory submissions, and marketing materials. They work closely with scientists, researchers, and medical professionals to ensure that scientific data is communicated clearly and accurately. Their role often involves interpreting complex research findings, adhering to publication guidelines, and meeting strict deadlines. Associate Scientific Writers may work in pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, or medical communications agencies.

How does an associate scientific writer typically collaborate with researchers and subject matter experts?

As an Associate Scientific Writer, you will frequently work alongside researchers, clinicians, and other subject matter experts to gather, interpret, and accurately present scientific data. This collaboration often involves attending meetings, conducting interviews, and reviewing drafts to ensure clarity and scientific integrity. Effective communication and openness to feedback are essential, as you may need to translate complex information into accessible language for various audiences while maintaining accuracy. Building strong professional relationships and being adaptable are key to success in this collaborative environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate scientific writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Scientific Writer, you need a strong background in life sciences, excellent writing skills, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with reference management software, scientific databases, and tools like Microsoft Office or LaTeX is commonly required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the production of accurate, well-organized scientific documents that effectively communicate research findings to diverse audiences.

What is the difference between Associate Scientific Writer vs Scientific Writer?

AspectAssociate Scientific WriterScientific Writer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in life sciences or related field; some roles may prefer a master'sBachelor's or higher in life sciences; more experience may be preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, collaborative teams in pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare companiesMore independent roles, often with increased responsibility in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in biotech, pharma, and research organizations for document preparationUsed for more complex scientific documentation and publication tasks

In summary, an Associate Scientific Writer is typically an entry-level role requiring a relevant bachelor's degree, focusing on supporting scientific documentation. A Scientific Writer usually has more experience and handles more complex writing tasks independently. Both roles are vital in the biotech and pharma industries, but they differ mainly in experience level and scope of responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Writer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Scientific Writer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Scientific Writer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Scientific Writer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Scientific Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,727 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Associate Scientist I

San Mateo, CA • On-site

Orion Group
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees

$36 - $40/hr

Contractor

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Associate Scientist I
$36 - $40/hr with medical benefits available at a cost
2 year contract
100% Onsite out of South San Francisco
Normal first shift lab hours, Monday - Friday (occasional weekend requirements to maintain active cell lines)
Orion Project Services and our largest US client are seeking entry level scientists to support cell culture processes on an exciting contract opportunity in South San Francisco! Don't pass on the chance to gain industry experience within a market leading pharmaceutical company.
Job Summary:
The Associate Scientist I will be a member of the CMC Biologics Cell Culture Development group, responsible for providing support for the development of novel biologics and bioprocess innovation projects, performing laboratory maintenance, and executing tasks to support departmental and project goals. The candidate should have experience with standard cell culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology techniques and is expected to clearly communicate scientific rationale, methodology and results in written and oral formats.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Follow established experimental protocols and assess results with supervision
  • Maintain a "can-do" attitude to complete innovative projects while being flexible in work priorities based on business needs
  • Perform routine tasks such as media/buffer preparation, thawing of cryopreserved cells, cell culture passaging, aseptic flask sampling, bioreactor sampling, and cell banking to support ongoing projects
  • Take routine analytical measurements for cell growth, culture gas-content, pH, osmolality, nutrient and metabolite measurements and HPLC analysis of antibody titers
  • Prepare bench top bioreactors and supporting equipment for sterile operation
  • Maintain instrumentation, consumables inventory and general cleanliness of a developmental lab to create a safe, effective and efficient scientific working environment
  • Display effective organization, verbal and written communication skills for effective explanation of experimental results, and adherence to good documentation practices
  • Weekend work to support bioreactor and other vessel sampling and feeding, as required
Qualifications:
Basic:
  • BS in Biological Sciences or Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or related field with 0-3 years of experience
  • Experience with aseptic technique, preferably mammalian cell culture
  • Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation (Vi-Cell, BGA, HPLC and Cedex Bio) and cell culture equipment (biosafety cabinet, incubators, and microscopes)
  • Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Preferred:
  • Experience in bioreactor operation and cell culture media preparation
  • Experience in single use cell culture tools employed in bioprocess development, including but not limited to deep well plates, shake flasks, ambr250 bioreactors, or other stirred tank bioreactors
  • Experience with programming (VBA, Python, Javascript, C++)
  • Understand statistical analysis using software (JMP, SIMCA, Minitab, Design Expert, R) and statistical design of experiments (DOE)
Physical Demands:
  • Capable of pushing heavy containers on wheels
  • Must be comfortable with physical activities of constant standing, walking, and sitting with arm stretching into biosafety cabinets for cell culture work and occasionally lifting 25 lbs

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Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services - Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management - across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.