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Freelance Science Writing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Freelance Science Writing information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$23

$32

How much do freelance science writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance science writing 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 understanding of scientific concepts, excellent writing skills, and typically a degree in science or journalism. Familiarity with research databases, citation management software, and content management systems is often required. Strong soft skills include curiosity, self-motivation, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly for diverse audiences. These skills ensure accuracy, credibility, and engaging content that meets the needs of clients and readers.

What is freelance science writing?

Freelance science writing involves creating articles, reports, blog posts, or other written content about scientific topics for various clients on a contract basis. Science writers translate complex research and scientific concepts into clear, engaging language for a range of audiences, such as the general public, students, or industry professionals. Freelancers in this field work independently, often pitching story ideas to magazines, websites, or organizations, and may write about subjects like health, technology, environment, or space. This career requires strong writing skills, a solid understanding of scientific topics, and the ability to communicate clearly with both scientists and non-experts.

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

AspectFreelance Science WritingScientific Content Writer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science or related field, writing experienceOften requires a degree in science, communication, or journalism
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedUsually employed by companies, agencies, or media outlets
Employer & IndustryClients across various industries, including publishing, education, biotechOrganizations producing scientific articles, reports, or educational content

Freelance Science Writers work independently on diverse projects for multiple clients, often remotely. Scientific Content Writers are typically employed by organizations to produce consistent scientific materials. Both roles require scientific knowledge and strong writing skills, but Freelance Science Writers enjoy more flexibility and varied assignments, while Scientific Content Writers often have a more structured work environment.

How do freelance science writers typically find and secure consistent work?

Freelance science writers often secure assignments by building strong relationships with editors, pitching story ideas to publications, and maintaining an updated portfolio of their work. Many also join professional networks or online platforms dedicated to freelance writing, which offer job listings and opportunities to connect with potential clients. While the freelance landscape can be competitive, regularly pitching fresh, timely ideas and demonstrating expertise in specific scientific fields can help writers develop a steady workflow over time.
What are the most commonly searched types of Science Writing jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Science Writing jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Science Writing jobs in Virginia? For Freelance Science Writing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Science Writing jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Science Writing job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Science Writing job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 15% Contract, 12% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 59% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,996 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

$22 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Are you interested in making a world of difference in cancer care?

Cancer strikes more than 10 million people worldwide each year. As the leading medical society representing doctors who care for people with cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is committed to conquering cancer through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality care.


Who we are:
ASCO is a flexible, high-performance membership organization where employees collaborate to support our mission through evidence, care, and impact. Together with Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, we foster a culture that prioritizes customer-centricity, emphasizes teamwork, and commits to quality. Our culture, ASCO Works - Our Way of Working, has long enabled workplace flexibility and embraced technology to help us achieve balance. To learn what it's like to work at ASCO, click here.


Total Rewards:

At ASCO, we offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. Our compensation philosophy and structure ensure that payremainsmarket-based, tied to performance,and aligned with our core values. The hiring salary range displayed accounts for a broad spectrum of factors, and the final offer will depend on an evaluation of the selected candidate's experience, training, and specialized skill sets.


In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for our robust total rewards package, which includes health, vision, and dental insurance, a 401(k) with generous contribution, health and wellness benefits, family forming benefits, education support program, generous leave, and much more!


Who we are looking for:

ASCO has a new and exciting opportunity for a Meeting Abstracts Coordinator to join our Publishing team! In this role, the Meeting Abstracts Coordinator will coordinate the publication of scientific meeting abstracts, partner with cross-functional teams, and collaborate with vendors all while making an impact on oncology science, education, and research.
If you are highly organized, passionate about project coordination, have exceptional attention to detail, and are interested in scientific publishing, we would love to hear from you!
This position is hybrid with a primary location at our headquarters in Alexandria, VA. The hire must reside within 75 miles of our headquarters and be available to work onsite as business needs require.

Responsibilities

  • Develop andmaintainproduction schedules, coordinating with internal stakeholders acrossmultiple departments and external vendors.

  • Coordinate theabstractdata formatting processto ensure compliancewithASCOguidelines;performpre- and post-publication online QC;andcoordinateproduction ofPDFs produced by a third-party vendor.

  • Coordinate and execute the public release of meeting abstracts in partnership with stakeholders in IT, Education, and Communications; ensureaccurateabstract counts and verify standard protocols to ensure successful publication aligned with ASCO embargo requirements. Serve as the final approver to push content live and handle all post-launch stakeholder communications.

  • Process pre- and post-publication abstract change and withdrawal requests for both ASCO.org and ASCOPubs.org platforms, ensuring compliance withASCO abstract submission guidelines and policies as well as scholarly publishing industry standards.

  • Serve as the primary liaison for external vendors supporting the publication of the meeting abstracts,monitoringvendor performance, managing deliverables,troubleshootingand/or reporting issues, and providing programmatic feedback to ensure operational excellence.

  • Coordinate review of conclusive title edits withthe Meeting Abstracts Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editorandfacilitatethe adjudication of abstract errataandretractions.

  • Develop and/ormaintainprocess documentation for internal staff and freelancers/vendors and update author-facing guidelines as needed.

  • Initiate and execute process improvements, obstacle anticipation and avoidance, and innovative advancements and improvements to products.

  • Participate in publishing activities across the department as needed.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's Degreeor equivalent years of experience

  • 2 years ofrelatedcoordinatingor administrative experience

  • Knowledge of academic/scientific writing, publishing, journals, websites

  • Experience and in-depth knowledge ofHTML,computer software,and demonstratedproficiencywith Office 360 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

  • Understanding of content management and workflows

Competencies

  • Excellent time management skills withdemonstratedability to manage competing priorities,meet deadlines, prioritize, and multi-task

  • Excellent organization skills with meticulous attention to detail

  • Excellent communication skills, includingwritten,with the ability to clearly communicate and convey, receive, and understandinformation

  • Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills

  • Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively in teams

  • Strong project management skills

Work Environment

Fast-paced office environment.

ADA/Physical Requirements

Extendedperiodsseated or standing at a desk.

High use ofcomputerand other office technology equipment.

Travel

1-3 days/yr.

Weekend work is required for approximately 3-4 weekends per year; occasional evening work required.

Compensation

This is a non-exempt position based upon 37.5 hours per week. The hourly rate range for this position is $29.79-39.18.

The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum annualized salary ASCO expects to provide for a new hire for the position across the U.S. We thoughtfully determine and design offers based on the selected candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Generous Benefits Package:

  • Hybrid Work Environment
  • Open Leave Policy
  • Paid Family Leave
  • 13 Paid Holidays per Calendar Year
  • Staff Appreciation Days
  • 401(k): 7.5% Employer Contribution
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Fertility and Family Forming
  • Healthcare Concierge
  • Flexible Spending Account(s)
  • Healthcare Savings Account
  • Disability and Life Insurance

TheAssociation for Clinical OncologyisanEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company toprovideequal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, and religion.