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Contract Scientific Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Methodist

Development of grant application budgets, industry contracts and subcontracts, and other financial ... Finds and implements innovations in scientific writing, grant development and research development ...

Houston Methodist

At Houston Methodist, the Senior Scientific Writer is responsible for functioning as the mentor for ... Development of grant application budgets, industry contracts and subcontracts, and other financial ...

Superbeo

Technical Writer

New York, NY · On-site

New York City, New York Job Duration: 3 Months, Contract to Hire * Bachelor's degree in bio-medical engineering, mechanical, journalism, technical communication, English, science writing, or other ...

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How much do contract scientific writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract scientific writer in the United States is $47.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $58.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Scientific Writer position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Scientific Writer, you need strong scientific knowledge, excellent writing and editing skills, and typically a degree in a science or medical field. Familiarity with reference management software, document collaboration tools, and adherence to style guides like AMA or APA is often required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly are important soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate, high-quality scientific documents on deadline and collaborating effectively with researchers and clients.

What are typical challenges that Contract Scientific Writers face in their daily work?

Contract Scientific Writers often juggle multiple projects with tight deadlines, requiring strong time management and organizational skills. Interpreting complex scientific data and ensuring accuracy while translating it into accessible content can be demanding. Additionally, writers must adapt quickly to each client's unique requirements and editorial standards, sometimes working with diverse teams of researchers or subject matter experts. Effective communication and a proactive approach to clarifying expectations with clients help mitigate these challenges and ensure successful project delivery.

What is a Contract Scientific Writer job?

A Contract Scientific Writer is a freelance or temporary professional who creates scientific documents, such as research articles, regulatory submissions, clinical study reports, and medical communication materials. They often work with pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, or healthcare organizations to translate complex scientific data into clear, accurate, and accessible content. This role requires strong writing skills, subject matter expertise, and the ability to adhere to industry guidelines. Contract arrangements allow flexibility in workload and project selection, making it an attractive option for experts in scientific communication.

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Contract Scientific Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Scientific Writer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,010 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Scientific Writer

Houston Methodist Academic Institute

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Scientific Writer position is responsible for performing a variety of tasks including preparing laboratory and clinical studies and documents for submission to journals and granting agencies. The position facilitates the gathering of noteworthy achievements in science within the department and helps translate and disseminate that information through feature articles, news releases, newsletters, social media and other communications venues.
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
  • MS or PhD in biological science field preferred

EXPERIENCE
  • Three years of experience in science writing/editing

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Ability to write in a scientific or technical field
  • Knowledgeable in writing/editing biomedical manuscripts
  • Knowledgeable in grant application processes

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Works with principal investigator, provides advice on grantsmanship, editorial support and standardized language for administrative sections; manages scientific writing process.
  • Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information as it relates to assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Facilitates writing, editing, and preparation of high quality written scientific documents for grant applications, publications, scientific manuscripts for peer review, white papers, protocols, and other scientific or administrative reports.
  • Assists with preparation of protocols (including amendments and informed consents), reports, and manuscripts for publication.
  • Provides faculty with full lifecycle support from technical document development to preparation and submission.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Assures compliance with Houston Methodist polices, rules, and regulations to meet federal, state, and local standards.
  • Interpreting data and advising sponsors as to how best to present data considering regulatory agency requirements.
  • Prepares moderately complex documents and sections of regulatory submissions and contributes scientific knowledge and analytical skills to the preparation of grant proposals, manuscripts, presentations, protocols, and clinical regulatory documentation.
  • Assures quality and timely preparation of technical documents.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Assists with the writing of grant applications, awards, contracts, subcontracts and other agreements.
  • Submits grant proposals and manuscripts for editing.
  • Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Evaluates and reports on inventory levels. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a writer.
  • Participates in departmental projects and shared governance activities; manages and leads projects related to optimization of assigned system(s).

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: No
    • Scrubs: No
    • Business professional: Yes
    • Other (department approved): No

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* No

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
  • MS or PhD in biological science field preferred

EXPERIENCE
  • Three years of experience in science writing/editing

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care. Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs. Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports clinical research protocols and extramurally funded translational research programs.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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