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Freelance Science Writing Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 Writing information

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 Washington? The most popular types of Science Writing jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Science Writing jobs in Washington? For Freelance Science Writing jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Science Writing jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Science Writing jobs in Washington are:
Freelance Science Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Science Writing job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 15% Contract, 12% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 59% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 38% Remote job distribution.

Senior Editor, Physics Today

American Institute of Physics Incorporated

College Park, MD • On-site

$101K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Senior Editor, Physics Today


WHO WE ARE: Scientific discovery shapes our lives every day. And AIP, publisher of Physics Today, empowers the organizations and people that make those discoveries possible.

As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact.

As an Institute, AIP preserves the history of discovery so the past can guide the future. We study how research is done, who participates, and what holds people back or propels them to succeed. Our findings inform policy, practice, and decision-making across the physical sciences. We are especially focused on the next generation of physical scientists and committed to ensuring talent from anywhere can thrive in our fields.

Humanity needs science. And science needs people and organizations working together to tackle our planet’s toughest challenges. Together, we can advance science, empower scientists, and ensure discovery continues to shape our lives.

We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team!


SUMMARY: ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT PHYSICS? SKILLED AT STORYTELLING? EXPERIENCED IN EDITING? Join Physics Today, the world’s most influential physical-sciences publication, as a Senior Editor. The flagship publication of AIP, Physics Today is a trusted voice for the physical sciences. Through its accessible, engaging content, Physics Today serves as a unifying influence that bridges disciplinary boundaries and cultivates a shared understanding, appreciation, and sense of belonging. Physics Today keeps the community informed, stimulates conversation, and helps shape how the community sees itself.

In this role, you will lead the Physics Today editing team in honing longer-form content, written by subject-matter experts and by staff and freelance writers and spanning the full gamut of fields, to make the pieces relevant and engaging for more than 150,000 monthly website visitors and 100,000 magazine readers. Come leverage your graduate degree in physics (PhD preferred) and 8+ years of science writing and editing experience to create impactful content for Physics Today’s scientifically literate audience and connect with the global physical-sciences community.


WHAT YOU’LL DO: 

  • Lead Physics Today’s team of editors in the substantive and line editing of longer-form content to produce clear, polished, and engaging final products that resonate with the audience.
  • Provide editorial oversight for editors and writers, especially for stories that delve deeply into the science of a field.
  • Help develop, implement, and hone Physics Today’s multiplatform editorial strategy.
  • Identify and evaluate story ideas about noteworthy and interesting developments and evergreen topics across the gamut of physical-science fields.
  • Work with the Visual Experience team and others to develop and incorporate a broad palette of visuals and other media that enhance the reader experience, taking full, creative advantage of digital storytelling opportunities.
  • Author content, as needed, with exceptional narrative flair and technical proficiency.
  • Mentor junior staff on writing and editing.
  • Foster a creative environment where new ideas are encouraged, tested, and refined.
  • Develop a deep understanding of the Physics Today audience and its evolving information needs in order to continuously improve content relevance, engagement, and impact.
  • Attend scientific meetings and maintain broad contact with members of the physical-sciences community.
  • Contribute to and advance the overall editorial effort of Physics Today.


WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

  • A passion for science and science communication.
  • Graduate degree, PhD preferred, in physics or a closely related field, or equivalent extensive knowledge of the physical-sciences research community.
  • At least 8 years of professional science writing and editing experience, preferably at a scientific publication.
  • Mentoring/supervision skills
  • Strong critical-thinking skills and ability to solve substantive editing problems.
  • Exceptional talent for storytelling and for explaining complex physics-related topics to a broad audience of scientists.
  • Masterful editorial judgment, creative prowess, and meticulous attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentoring skills.
  • Ability to learn new things quickly and independently.
  • Ability to multitask, handle multiple assignments and priorities on varying timescales, and meet deadlines.


TO APPLY: Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description. At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences. 

COMPENSATION: $101,981.00 – $112,179.00


WORKING AT AIP: AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland, and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.

We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more. 

Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to ongoing learning and development, institute-wide social opportunities, and community service, AIP is a rewarding place to work.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.


Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!