ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Science Writer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Boston Globe Media

Deputy Ideas Editor

Boston, MA · On-site

$90K - $122K/yr

... science, and technology. The deputy Ideas editor collaborates with the Ideas section's three other ... Experience working with writers, particularly freelancers. * The candidate should have produced ...

All JobsScience Writer JobsFreelance Science Writer JobsFreelance Science Writer Jobs in Boston, MA

Freelance Science Writer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$8

$25

$35

How much do freelance science writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance science writer in Boston, MA is $25.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.21 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

More about Freelance Science Writer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Science Writer jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Science Writer jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Science Writer jobs in Boston, MA?

For Freelance Science Writer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Science Writer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Science Writer jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Freelance Science Writer jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Freelance Science Writer job openings:

Freelance Science Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Science Writer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,594 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

COMMUNICATIONS & WRITING SPECIALIST, Computing and Data Sciences

Boston University

Boston, MA

$58K - $77K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Boston University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Summary:

The CDS Communications & Writing Specialist will craft compelling stories that highlight the achievements and innovations of CDS faculty, students, and programs, translating complex scientific concepts into engaging, accessible content for diverse audiences (including prospective students and the general public). The ideal candidate will demonstrate fluency in artificial intelligence concepts and tools and be eager to leverage AI in innovative ways to enhance communications, storytelling, and strategic outreach. They will be passionate about promoting interdisciplinary research and the real-world impact of data science across various fields, and will play a central role in elevating CDS to national visibility.

Key Responsibilities

  • Write, edit, and publish high-quality content showcasing CDS faculty research, student achievements, programs, and events across news, profiles, newsletters, social, ads, one-pagers, and reports.
  • Collaborate with faculty and program leaders to interpret and communicate complex scientific and data-science concepts accurately for diverse audiences.
  • Proactively seek media opportunities, serve as primary media contact, and identify emerging data-science trends to keep communications timely and relevant.
  • Develop and execute communications strategies and collateral to promote events, conferences, speaker series, and special initiatives; support outreach and awareness campaigns for CDS and BU programs (e.g., BU Spark!, Bioinformatics).
  • Lead cross-cutting communications tasks across CDS teams—coordinate event promotion, recruitment/onboarding materials, industry and alumni partnership outreach, and campus/building initiatives.
  • Supervise and develop student employees, part-time staff, and freelancers: assign work, provide feedback, handle hiring and evaluations, approve hours, and maintain process documentation.
  • Consult and mentor faculty and program staff on messaging and brand guidelines to elevate program visibility and align communications with institutional goals.
  • Support special projects and campus partnerships as needed to foster community engagement and advance CDS strategic priorities.

Required Skills

Required Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, data science, or a related field.
  • Minimum 3-5 years experience in communication or journalism, preferably in higher education or a comparable sector.
  • Proven experience writing about science, ideally with a focus on data science, technology, or related disciplines.
  • Strong ability to translate technical, scientific, and data-driven information into clear, engaging content for non-expert audiences.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.
  • Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Familiarity with digital communications platforms and social media.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with academic researchers and administrators.

A cover letter is required for consideration.

 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. 


Required Experience

What Boston University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Boston University logo

About Boston University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Boston University is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. Boston University is committed to generating new knowledge to benefit society. We remain dedicated to our founding principles: that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity, in its tradition and standards of excellence, and in its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world. Boston University comprises a remarkable range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs built on a strong foundation of the liberal arts and sciences. With the support and oversight of the Board of Trustees, the University, through our faculty, continually innovates in education and research to ensure that we meet the needs of students and an ever-changing world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1839

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Boston University Jobs

Apply