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Freelance Science Writer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

AKQA

Freelance Senior Designer

Washington, DC · Remote

$2.6K - $3.0K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... Excellent written and oral communication skills * Collaborative, receptive to feedback, and ...

New

National Academy of Sciences

Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

Incumbent independently performs complex editing and writing tasks. Under general direction ... May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among ...

PreciseTarget

Managing Editor

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Responsibilities : • Serve as the editorial North Star for your team -- the person writers look ... PreciseTarget is a data science company providing apparel and fashion brands for retailers, brands ...

The Atlantic

Senior Associate Editor

Washington, DC

$85K - $100K/yr

... writers and freelancers. The ideal candidate will be a strong line editor who is creative and ... science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a ...

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Freelance Science Writer information

See Washington salary details

$8

$26

$37

How much do freelance science writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance science writer in Washington is $26.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $29.66 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
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What job categories do people searching Freelance Science Writer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Science Writer jobs in Washington are:
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Freelance Science Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Science Writer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,831 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Freelance Senior Designer

AKQA

Washington, DC • Remote

$2.6K - $3.0K/wk

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.

Creatives at AKQA apply artistry and craftsmanship to strategic insight to create and bring to life beautiful ideas that move the world. Skilled storytellers and conceptors, they work in a multidisciplinary environment to develop labors of love that delight customers and deliver results for clients. Designers play essential roles in the strategy, conception, and design of beautiful ideas, products and services, bringing exceptional creative thought and craft output from brief to end user.

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Senior Designer to support a nationally recognized financial brand celebrated for its bold creative ambitions and culturally resonant work. In this role you will be designing static and animated banner ads for a social card campaign, bringing strong creative judgment and visual craft to work that will reach a wide audience. You are a conceptual, design-forward creative who can also execute at a production level when the work calls for it, but this is not a production design role. Senior creative thinking and craft are what matter most here. This is a remote freelance role from August 17 through October 16, 2026.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

  • Design static and animated banner ads across a range of sizes and formats for a social card campaign, bringing both creative ambition and technical precision to every deliverable
  • Bring strong conceptual and visual thinking to the work, ensuring each execution is purposeful, on-brand, and visually compelling
  • Execute animation with a confident, considered hand, understanding how motion serves communication without overwhelming it
  • Maintain the quality and consistency of assets across a campaign system, adapting designs thoughtfully across formats and placements
  • Execute production-level work when required, with the craft and attention to detail that ensures every file is delivery-ready
  • Collaborate closely with creative leads, strategists, and other team members to ensure the work is aligned to brief and client expectations

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

  • A compelling portfolio demonstrating strong creative and design craft across digital advertising, social, and campaign work
  • Confident with both static and motion design, with a clear point of view on how animation elevates an idea rather than decorates it
  • A senior creative sensibility; you bring concept and craft in equal measure and know the difference between designing and producing
  • Comfortable working efficiently across a campaign system with multiple formats and asset variations
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Collaborative, receptive to feedback, and motivated by delivering work that performs as well as it looks

Location & Commitment

  • Remote (United States only); must be available during core business hours, U.S. Eastern Time
  • August 17, 2026 through October 16, 2026
  • 40 hours/week
  • Expected weekly compensation: $2,600 to $3,000 

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