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Freelance Science Writer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Science Writer information

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$7

$23

$32

How much do freelance science writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance science writer in Virginia is $23.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $25.96 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Science Writer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Science Writer jobs in Virginia? For Freelance Science Writer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Science Writer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Science Writer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Science Writer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Science Writer job openings:
Freelance Science Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Science Writer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,996 per year, or $23.1 per hour.
Senior Medical Writer - Medical Communications

Senior Medical Writer - Medical Communications

Avalere Health

Abingdon, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Avalere Health

United by one profound purpose: to reach EVERY PATIENT POSSIBLE. At Avalere Health, we ensure every patient is identified, treated, supported, and cared for. Equally. Our Advisory, Medical, and Marketing teams come together - powerfully and intentionally - to forge unconventional connections, building a future where healthcare is not a barrier and no patient is left behind. 

Achieving our mission starts with providing enriching, purpose-driven careers for our team that empower them to make a tangible impact on patient lives. We are committed to creating a culture where our employees are empowered to bring their whole selves to work and tap into the power of diverse backgrounds and skillsets to play a part in making a difference for every patient, everywhere. 

Our flexible approach to working allows our global teams to decide where they want to work, whether in-office or at home based on team and client need. Major city hubs in London, Manchester, Washington, D.C., and New York, and smaller offices globally, serve as collaboration hubs allowing our teams to come together when it matters. Homeworkers are equally supported, with dedicated social opportunities and resources.  

Our inclusive culture is at the heart of everything we do. We proudly support our employees in bringing their whole selves to work with our six Employee Network Groups - Diverse Ability, Family, Gender, LGBTQ+, Mental Health, and Race/Ethnicity. These groups provide opportunities to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and to connect, learn, and socialise through regular meetings and programs of activity. We are an accredited Fertility Friendly employer with our Fertility Policy, enhanced parental leave, and culture of flexibility ensuring every employee feels supported across their family planning journey and can work in a way that suits their family's needs. 

We are deeply invested in supporting professional growth for our employees through day-to-day career experiences, access to thousands of on-demand training sessions, regular career conversations, and the opportunity for global, cross-capability career moves.  

We take pride in being part of the Disability Confident Scheme. This helps make sure you can be interviewed fairly if you have a disability, long term health condition, or are neurodiverse. If you'd like to apply and need adjustments made, you can let us know in your application.

Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits
 
Location: Flexible, ideally based within a commutable distance to one of our key UK hubs; Manchester, Oxford, London, Brighton.
 
About the role
 
You will be responsible for developing and delivering original, accurate, high-quality content (manuscripts, slides, and other editorial assignments) within project specifications, timeline, and budget. You'll provide highquality editorial oversight for both project work and business development efforts. You will strive to function as a scientific and therapeutic expert (within limitations of budget and timelines) for assigned project teams, and function as the primary writer for assigned accounts.
What You'll Do
  • Research, write, and revise high-quality, original editorial content
  • Ensure scientific accuracy while editing and referencing
  • Liaise with clients, authors and colleagues to progress projects effectively
  • Attend congresses, symposia and advisory board meetings as required and liaising with speakers and clients
  • Provide input on project specifications, costings and schedules, working with the internal account team to ensure projects are delivered to time and budget
  • Provide good briefings to colleagues and freelancers
  • Actively participate in account development meetings to grow repeat business
  • Mentor new writers (depending on individual, level of experience and job opportunity)
About You
  • Bachelor's degree in the life sciences; PharmD or PhD highly preferred
  • Ideally 2+ years' of medical writing experience, preferably MedAffairs, in a medcomms agency
  • Proficiency in the use of MS Office, specifically Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
  • Proficiency in Internet and PubMed searches
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and as part of a team
What we can offer

You'll receive up to a 7% pension contribution, life insurance, income protection, and private medical insurance for peace of mind. Enjoy flexible working arrangements, including flexible hybrid working, along with the option to work from anywhere across the globe two weeks each year. We provide 25 days of annual leave plus two personal well-being days, along with gifted end-of-year holidays and an early Summer Friday finish in June, July, and August. 

Access free counselling through our employee assistance program, as well as personalized health support. Enhanced maternity, paternity, family leave, and fertility policies provide support across every stage of your family-planning journey, as well as on-demand support from our partner Peppy. You can also benefit from continuous opportunities to professionally develop with on-demand training, support, and global mobility opportunities across the business.  

We encourage all applicants to read our candidate privacy notice before applying to Avalere Health.
We may use AI tools to support elements of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing CV/resumes, assessing responses, or transcribing interviews. These tools assist our Talent team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please review our candidate privacy policy.
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