1

Freelance Science Publishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$88K - $121K/yr

As part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the Transportation ... Guides freelance editors and/or staff on editing and publishing options. Attends editorial and ...

SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR

Tampa, FL · On-site

$32.80 - $41.15/hr

... publishing or writing, inclusive of four (4) years of outstanding writing and editing skills and ... Assign and direct the work of the Medical/Science Writer and outside vendors including freelance ...

Publicist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60K - $66K/yr

Strong relationships with reviewers, features editors, freelancers and producers will be central to ... Equal Opportunity Employment Bloomsbury Publishing USA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Salary: $17 hourly FLEXIBLE/HYBRID SCHEDULING AVAILABLE GW, a premier publishing services provider ... by freelance SMEs/writers; including evaluating for overall quality, spelling, grammar, clarity ...

The science is publishing discipline: running a real calendar, shipping on cadence, commissioning ... Run editorial budgets, contracts, rights, and freelance operations with real discipline. * Develop ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Freelance Science Publishing information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance science publishing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance science publishing in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by freelance science publishing professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance science publishing professionals often encounter challenges such as managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, keeping up with evolving scientific standards, and building a strong client network. To address these, it’s important to develop strong organizational skills, stay updated on industry best practices, and leverage professional networks or platforms to connect with publishers and researchers. Additionally, setting clear communication channels with clients helps ensure expectations are met and fosters long-term collaborations.

What is the difference between Freelance Science Publishing vs Scientific Writer?

AspectFreelance Science PublishingScientific Writer
CredentialsTypically requires a background in science or related field, strong writing skillsUsually holds a degree in science or journalism, with expertise in scientific communication
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedOften employed by publishers, research institutions, or as freelancers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by scientific publishers, research organizations, and freelance platformsEmployed by scientific journals, research firms, or as independent consultants

Freelance Science Publishing involves independently creating and editing scientific content for various clients, often on a project basis. Scientific Writers may work within organizations or freelance, focusing on communicating complex scientific ideas clearly. Both roles require scientific knowledge and strong writing skills, but Freelance Science Publishing emphasizes independent project work, while Scientific Writers may have more structured employment settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Science Publishing professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Freelance Science Publishing, you need a solid background in scientific disciplines, excellent writing and editing skills, and familiarity with publishing standards, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with reference management software, editorial tools like Adobe InDesign or LaTeX, and knowledge of major journal submission systems is typically required. Strong communication, time management, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for managing multiple projects and collaborating with scientists and publishers. These skills ensure high-quality, accurate scientific communication and successful navigation of the fast-paced publishing landscape.

What is freelance science publishing?

Freelance science publishing involves independent professionals who provide editorial, writing, or publication services for scientific content. These freelancers may work with academic journals, research institutions, or science-focused publishers to edit manuscripts, write articles, manage peer review, or assist in the publication process. The work can include copyediting scientific papers, preparing figures for publication, or helping researchers communicate their findings to broader audiences. Freelancers in this field often have a background in science or publishing and must stay updated on industry standards and best practices.
More about Freelance Science Publishing jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Science Publishing jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Science Publishing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Science Publishing jobs? The most popular types of Science Publishing jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Science Publishing jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Science Publishing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Science Publishing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 64% In-person, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Senior Editor - Transportation Research Board

$88K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 hours ago


Job description

Job Description Summary:Performs substantive editing and copy editing, conferring with authors on treatment of material. Looks for inconsistencies of thought, development, and organization. Works with editorial and production staff and contractors to guide manuscripts through to publication. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, and format. Rewrites text as necessary in compliance with editorial guidelines. Contributes original material where appropriate. Provides guidance and direction to writers, editors and editorial assistants. May participate in manuscript structure development and organization.
Incumbent applies in-depth professional level knowledge to independently solve a full range of complex, substantive problems. Assignments are broadly defined and require judgment and creativity to complete. Incumbent has authority to take whatever action deemed advisable or necessary and is often responsible for oversight or management of other editors and support staff. This job typically reports to top editorial position or an executive in the division.
As part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) mobilizes expertise, experience, and knowledge to anticipate and solve complex transportation-related challenges. The Board's varied activities annually engage more than 5,500 engineers, scientists, and other transportation researchers and practitioners from the public and private sectors and academia, all of whom contribute their expertise in the public interest. The program is supported by state departments of transportation, federal agencies including component administrations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other organizations and individuals interested in the development of transportation.Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

1. Evaluates and edits technical reports and other materials, helping to shape presentation and structure as necessary. Confers with author on treatment of material and negotiates highly complex and intricate revisions with authors.

2. Ensures all material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, and format.

3. Provides leadership and mentors editorial staff. May have supervisory responsibility for editors and editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work. Trains and develops employees to successfully perform current responsibilities and encourages development of staff for future roles. Forms effective teams and cultivates a work environment that fosters teamwork.

4. May oversee freelance activities, including finding and coordinating work among freelance editors.

5. Guides freelance editors and/or staff on editing and publishing options. Attends editorial and production meetings. Consults with marketing and production staff on production aspects. Answers complex editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports and other editorial projects.

6. May lead department operational activities by establishing and updating workflow, style templates, and database functionality.

7. May serve as managing editor for editorial/publishing projects smaller in scope or less frequently published, such as newsletters and/or quarterly magazines and journals.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

  • Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Exceptional grammar and language skills, including familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style. Ability to solve problems of substantial variety and complexity. Ability to undertake tasks broad in nature, requiring ingenuity and originality. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues. Ability to operate independently, and exercise substantial latitude for independent judgment, discretion, and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements:Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field, or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience:Six years of related professional experience,

Physical Capabilities:Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration:None.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls:Reports to Associate Director or Executive or Managing Editor. General direction is provided.

Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $88,450 - $121,620. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more information, please clickhere.

Work Environment:Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.

Disclaimer

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.

Job Family:

PUBLEmployee Type:EmployeeScheduled Weekly Hours:37.5City/State:Washington, District of Columbia