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Freelance Science Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AKQA

Freelance Senior Copywriter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$2.6K - $3.4K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... Senior Copywriters at AKQA play essential roles in the strategy, conception, and writing of ...

AKQA

Freelance Senior Copywriter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$2.6K - $3.4K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... Senior Copywriters at AKQA play essential roles in the strategy, conception, and writing of ...

Google

Head of AI Documentation

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, English, Communications), or ... Experience in technical writing, developer documentation, or developer relations, with experience ...

23andme

Senior Brand Designer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

When needed, brief, hire, and steer external design and video agencies and freelancers. Set the ... Partner closely with scientists, writers, communications, philanthropy, and partnership leads to ...

23andMe

Senior Brand Designer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

When needed, brief, hire, and steer external design and video agencies and freelancers. Set the ... Partner closely with scientists, writers, communications, philanthropy, and partnership leads to ...

AKQA

Senior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $128K/yr

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... We are seeking an experienced Freelance Senior Designer to support one of the most globally ...

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Freelance Science Writer information

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$7

$22

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How much do freelance science writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance science writer in California is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance science writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Science Writer, you need a solid background in science or journalism, excellent research abilities, and strong writing skills, often supported by a relevant degree or writing portfolio. Familiarity with citation management tools, publication platforms, and content management systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences are crucial soft skills. These skills ensure accurate, engaging content that meets client needs and builds credibility in the competitive science communication field.

What does a freelance science writer do?

A freelance science writer writes scientific content. Your duties are to research topics, write appropriate material, proofread and edit, check for accuracy, and then submit to a platform. You create content for all levels of understanding and work to explain complex issues in a relatable way. In some situations, you need to have your writing peer-reviewed before publishing. Freelance science writers can write articles for magazines, newspapers, journals, blogs, websites, and even their own books. You can write first and then search for a publisher or find a job looking to contract an independent writer for the job.

What are some common challenges freelance science writers face when working with multiple clients?

Freelance science writers often juggle projects for different clients with varying editorial styles, deadlines, and subject matter expertise requirements. Managing time effectively and adapting writing tone and complexity for distinct audiences can be challenging, especially when switching between academic, industry, and popular science publications. Building strong communication with editors and maintaining a well-organized workflow are key strategies to overcome these challenges and consistently deliver high-quality work.

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

AspectFreelance Science WriterScientific Content Writer
CredentialsTypically requires a background in science or related fields, strong writing skillsSimilar credentials, often with specialized knowledge in scientific topics
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedOften employed by organizations or agencies, but can also freelance
Industry UsageUsed across scientific publishing, media, and educationCommon in scientific journals, educational content, and corporate communication

Freelance Science Writers and Scientific Content Writers share similar educational backgrounds and work remotely, often on a project basis. The main difference lies in their employment setting: Freelance Science Writers operate independently, while Scientific Content Writers may work within organizations. Both roles require strong scientific knowledge and writing skills, making them closely related in the scientific communication industry.

What does a freelance science writer do?

A freelance science writer researches, writes, and edits content about scientific topics for various clients, including magazines, websites, academic institutions, and businesses. Their work may involve translating complex scientific information into clear, engaging articles, blog posts, press releases, or technical documents for a general audience. Freelance science writers often pitch story ideas, conduct interviews with experts, and work on a project-by-project basis, allowing for flexibility and a diverse range of assignments.
More about Freelance Science Writer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Science Writer jobs in California? The most popular types of Science Writer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Science Writer jobs in California? For Freelance Science Writer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Science Writer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Science Writer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Science Writer jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Science Writer job openings:
Freelance Science Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Science Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,778 per year, or $23 per hour.

Writer Editor

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Job Function Summary:
Involves conceiving, researching, writing, editing, and / or publishing written materials and strategic communications, including publications, articles, proposals, speeches, and promotional material.
Generic Scope
Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues / problems without precedent and / or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.
Custom Scope
Researches, writes and / or edits high-level communications, publications, and / or reports with complex or sensitive subject matter to audiences that are either broad or highly influential. Requires subject-matter expertise and an in-depth understanding of the audience and the communication strategies that will best serve the institution with that audience. Work is of considerable difficulty and may require political acumen and sensitivity.
The Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is recruiting a highly motivated and collaborative Senior Science Writer and Editor for a part-time Writer Editor 4 position. The selected candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team of scientific experts, writers, managers, and professionals to promote QBI's collaborative biomedical research portfolio. This unique team emphasizes collaboration over competition, connecting experts from around the world to build lasting networks and make a huge scientific impact. As an integral member of the QBI team, you will bring your technical leadership and recognized expertise to tackle unique challenges, develop innovative solutions, and communicate QBI stories and outcomes to a broad audience.
Responsibilities
% of timeEssential Function (Yes/No)Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor)60%
Researches, writes, and edits high-level communications, publications, and / or reports with complex or sensitive subject matter; assignments may include proposals, articles for publications, briefing materials, talking points, press releases, and web site content.
  • Write and edit comprehensive reviews, perspectives, primary research articles, reports, federally sponsored research, non-profit grants, and industry collaborative ventures
  • Prepare high-level communications for broad audiences utilizing different communications media (e.g. print, audio, video, web)
  • Produce news articles, press releases, profiles, briefings, blogs, website copy, collateral materials, and other written communications.
  • Conduct literature based research, select interview sources, and ensure the accuracy of written content.
  • Obtain copyright permission as needed.

Consults with and advises clients regarding their communications needs
  • Provide subject-matter exerptise and oversight for multiple projects.

May develop publications or web content to meet communication need
  • Edit written materials to ensure clarity, organization, accuracy, consistency, and quality.
  • Plan and execute social media content to highlight QBI initiatives and achievements.
Determines content and sources for publications and written work, conducts research and interviews (with multiple and sometimes conflicting sources), and ensures accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness of writing. May edit and oversee design and production of a variety of print and online material May oversee or lead staff; hire, assign, and oversee freelance staff. Accesses submitted manuscripts and recommends material to be published, including working with authors on developing material for publication, May respond to media inquiries, directing reporters to location media relations officers and other subject-matter experts as appropriate
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience writing and editing for academia.
  • Highly independent and able to take the initiative for developing and pitching story ideas, workshops & outreach exhibits, and creative science communication ventures.
  • Expertise in writing, grammar, syntax, style and punctuation with the ability to write clear and compelling narratives for a variety of styles for both targeted and broad audiences.
  • Advanced experience and knowledge of editorial style and publication guidelines specific for higher education and academia in biology or health sciences.
  • In depth knowledge of applications and software used for publishing, data analysis, image handling, figure development, and web production.
  • Advanced critical thinking, analytical, research and fact verification skills.
  • Advanced interpersonal communication and collaboration skills including project management, organizational, problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills.
  • In depth knowledge in own area of scientific expertise and extensive scientific acumen.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD or MD in biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related field
  • Knowledge of UCSF and QBI, including its mission, goals, programs, achievements, and policies.
  • Knowledge of higher education, health sciences, or a related academic or clinical field.
  • Knowledge of video and audio content editing and publishing applications.
  • Comfortable operating in a dynamic, evolving research and development environment.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and work effectively across functions.
  • Technical expertise in systems biology data integration and mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics is highly desired.

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