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Contract Scientific Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 Jun 26, 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.

Do I need a PhD to be a science writer?

A PhD is not required to be a contract scientific writer, but advanced degrees can enhance credibility and understanding of complex topics. Many science writers have bachelor's or master's degrees in relevant fields and develop skills in scientific research, writing, and editing. Employers often value experience and clear communication over formal advanced degrees.

Can I be a freelance writer with no experience?

Contract scientific writing typically requires some background in science or research, but entry-level freelancers can start by building a portfolio through internships, online courses, or volunteering. Developing strong writing skills and familiarity with scientific terminology and tools like reference management software can improve chances of securing freelance opportunities without prior experience.

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.

Is scientific writing a good career?

Scientific writing is a viable career that involves creating clear, accurate, and well-structured documents such as research articles, regulatory submissions, and technical reports. It requires strong writing skills, subject matter knowledge, and often familiarity with tools like reference management software; job prospects can be stable in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, and academia.

How much do science writers make?

Science writers' salaries vary based on experience, education, and employment setting. Entry-level writers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, while experienced professionals can make over $100,000, especially if working as freelancers or in specialized fields. Strong writing skills and knowledge of scientific topics are essential for higher earning potential.
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Contract Scientific Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Scientific Writer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,010 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Sr Scientific Writer

Houston Methodist Academic Institute

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Senior Scientific Writer is responsible for functioning as the mentor for junior staff with an extensive knowledge of both medical and technical science while working with scientific and clinical teams to concisely and clearly communicate technical medicine and science in writing, in accordance with regulations, standards and guidelines. This role must also have familiarity with scientific and clinical research and will conduct comprehensive literature searches for writing and editing abstracts, manuscripts, review articles, grant applications, clinical study protocols, investigator brochures, consent forms, presentations and progress reports for both scientific and lay audiences.
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • Master’s Degree required
  • PhD Preferred

EXPERIENCE
  • Six years’ experience in technical or scientific writing
  • Two years with grant applications preferred

SKILLS 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 clear, concise, and accurate language that can be understood by technical and non-technical audiences
  • Ability to understand complex scientific information, theories, and practices.
  • Skilled in identifying extramural funding mechanisms for faculty and programs
  • Skilled in coordinating strategic writing projects

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Subject matter expert responsible for research, writing, and editing of technical documents.
  • Mentors and coaches other scientific writers in editing and compiling appendices of documents related to technical reports.
  • Works with departments, agencies and sponsors to ensure that specific requirements are met with respect to document content and formatting.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Independently creates technical documents (collaborating with the team) based on the strategy provided, and is accountable for the format, content, and adherence to global and electronic publishing standards of the individual submission documents that he/she is the author of.
  • Interprets data and advises faculty as how to best present data considering scientific communications best practices.
  • Works with Principal Investigator(s) to develop, present, and bring to final submission high quality, large, multi-disciplinary, and multi-collaborative grant proposals and publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • 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.
  • Prepares technical documents that adhere to regulatory, financial, policy, and legal requirements.
  • Assures compliance with Houston Methodist policies, rules, and regulations to meet government, publisher, and sponsor standards and research development best practices.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Development of grant application budgets, industry contracts and subcontracts, and other financial documents in compliance with Houston Methodist policies and procedures.
  • Contributes to quality improvement and success of grants applications.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Finds and implements innovations in scientific writing, grant development and research development to continuously improve best practices.
  • Seeks opportunities to for continual professional development.
  • Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging students and co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives.

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 Yes
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • Master’s Degree required
  • PhD Preferred

EXPERIENCE
  • Six years’ experience in technical or scientific writing
  • Two years with grant applications preferred

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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