Freelance Science Copy Editor Jobs in California

Bio-Rad is seeking a Science Copywriter to join its global Brand and Marketing Communications Department. This is a role for an early-career copywriter who is ready to move beyond proofreading, someone who wants to shape how complex science is communicated and who is eager to grow as a copywriter. The Science Copywriter helps ensure the clarity, consistency, and scientific accuracy of the materials Bio-Rad puts in front of a global customer base, across our clinical diagnostics and life science research portfolios.

A typical day begins with reviewing your project queue, checking in on active reviews, and setting your priorities. You can expect to spend your day balancing editing, writing, and project management responsibilities. This includes editing marketing and technical materials for clarity, accuracy, and audience; creating and updating content for a variety of channels and asset types; managing projects through the review and approval process; verifying product claims, specifications, and scientific statements against source materials; creating concepts for campaigns and tradeshows; and collaborating with stakeholders to resolve questions and incorporate feedback.

You will also write and revise content, route materials through regulatory review as required, pitch concepts to leadership, and attend project kickoffs and departmental meetings. Assets you may develop include brochures, flyers, application notes, case studies and testimonials, email and web campaigns, tradeshow collateral, social media, video scripts, and presentations. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring messaging is on-brand and connected across multiple related assets.

You will not be doing this alone. You will be supported by an experienced editorial team and onboarding into our style guide, review workflow, and product portfolio. We are looking for someone with solid fundamentals and genuine curiosity who will develop into a copywriter who can independently evaluate, refine, and improve content across a range of projects.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required. Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat and Workfront is a plus. Knowledge of the biological, life, diagnostics, or health sciences is a strong plus but not a prerequisite; a demonstrated ability to learn technical subject matter quickly matters more. Marketing experience is a significant plus.

Candidates may be asked to perform a practical editing exercise as part of the interview process.

This is a hybrid position expected to work at least 3 days per week from our headquarters in Hercules, CA. The remaining two days may be worked from the office or remotely.

• Edit substantively, not just superficially. Restructure, tighten, and rewrite marketing and technical copy for clarity, flow, and audience while preserving the original intent and voice
• Safeguard scientific and product accuracy. Verify claims, specifications, and data against source materials, and flag issues for scientific, legal, and regulatory adherence and compliance
• Help maintain consistency in brand voice and editorial standards, and contribute to the ongoing development of the team's style guide, glossary, and terminology resources
• Provide tactful, well-reasoned feedback and queries that keep projects moving
• Own the editorial workflow for assigned projects. Track versions and deadlines, coordinate cross-functional reviews, and draft short-form copy (headlines, subject lines, captions, callouts, boilerplate) as needed

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in English, Communications, Journalism, Life Sciences and/or Marketing
• Work Experience: 1–3 years of editing, copywriting, or technical writing experience in science, healthcare, technology, or marketing. Relevant internships, academic or journal publishing, and substantial freelance work count
• Strong command of written English and a working grasp of basic life science principles, paired with real curiosity about diagnostics and the science behind our products
• Demonstrated experience working to an editorial style guide (AMA, Chicago, AP, or an internal guide), with an eye for detail and a drive for excellence
• Self-directed and coachable. Able to structure their own workday across multiple projects with competing deadlines, ask good questions, apply feedback quickly, and grow into greater editorial responsibility

Location: This position must be based in Hercules, CA and requires the employee to be located within commuting distance of the office.

Total Rewards Package: At Bio-Rad, we’re empowered by our purpose and recognize that our employees are as well. That’s why we offer a competitive and comprehensive Total Rewards Program that provides value, quality, and inclusivity while satisfying the diverse needs of our evolving workforce. Bio-Rad's robust offerings serve to enrich the overall health, wealth, and wellbeing of our employees and their families through the various stages of an employee’s work and life cycle.

Benefits: We’re proud to offer a variety of options, including competitive medical plans for you and your family, free HSA funds, a new fertility offering with stipend, group life and disability, paid parental leave, 401k plus profit sharing, an employee stock purchase program, a new upgraded and streamlined mental health platform, extensive learning and development opportunities, education benefits, student debt relief program, pet insurance, wellness challenges and support, paid time off, Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s), and more!

Compensation: The estimated base salary range for this position is $77,600 to $106,700 at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors. This position is eligible for a variable annual bonus, which is dependent upon achievement of your individual objectives and Company performance.

Who We Are: For 70 years, Bio-Rad has focused on advancing the discovery process and transforming the fields of science and healthcare. As one of the top five life science companies, we are a global leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing a broad range of high-quality research and clinical diagnostic products. We help people everywhere live longer, healthier lives. Bio-Rad offers a unique employee experience with collaborative teams that span the globe. Here, you are supported by leadership to build your career and are empowered to drive change that makes an impact you can see.

EEO Statement: Bio-Rad is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and we welcome candidates of all backgrounds. Veterans, people with physical or mental disabilities, and people of all race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin and citizenship status are encouraged to apply.