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Freelance Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AKQA

Freelance Senior Copywriter

San Francisco, CA

$2.6K - $3.4K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... We are seeking a talented Freelance Senior Copywriter to support one of the most globally ...

AKQA

Freelance Senior Copywriter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$2.6K - $3.4K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... We are seeking a talented Freelance Senior Copywriter to support one of the most globally ...

AKQA

Freelance Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$3.0K - $4.0K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... We are seeking an experienced Freelance Program Manager to support one of the most recognized and ...

AKQA

Freelance Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$3.0K - $4.0K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... We are seeking an experienced Freelance Program Manager to support one of the most recognized and ...

AKQA

Freelance Senior Project Manager

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$2.2K - $2.6K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... We are seeking an experienced Freelance Senior Project Manager with a strong emphasis on digital ...

twentysix

Freelance Senior Project Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$136.50 - $145.60/hr

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... We are seeking an experienced Freelance Senior Project Manager with a strong emphasis on digital ...

New

AKQA

Freelance Senior Project Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$2.2K - $2.6K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... We are seeking an experienced Freelance Senior Project Manager with a strong emphasis on digital ...

CryoNova

Laboratory Technician

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

... freelancer with basic lab experience. ● Must be willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for confidentiality. Nice-to-Have: ● Interest in materials science or metallurgy. Why Join Us?

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All JobsScience JobsFreelance Science JobsFreelance Science Jobs in California

Freelance Science information

See California salary details

$18.1K

$70.2K

$168.9K

How much do freelance science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance science in California is $70,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,638.00 and $83,724.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Science vs Freelance Data Analyst?

AspectFreelance ScienceFreelance Data Analyst
Required CredentialsScience degrees, research experienceStatistics, data analysis certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, fieldwork, consultingRemote, client sites, data-focused projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research firms, biotechBusinesses, marketing, finance, tech
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Freelance Science involves conducting research, experiments, and scientific consulting, often requiring advanced degrees and lab work. Freelance Data Analysts focus on interpreting data, creating reports, and providing insights, typically with certifications in statistics or data analysis. Both roles are flexible, project-based, and serve different industry needs, but they share similarities in remote work and client engagement.

What is a freelance science professional?

A freelance science professional is an expert who offers scientific services or expertise on a contract or project basis, rather than being employed full-time by a single organization. These individuals might conduct research, write scientific articles, consult on scientific projects, or provide data analysis for clients in academia, industry, or publishing. Freelance science professionals often have backgrounds in fields like biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science, and their work can vary depending on client needs. This flexible role allows them to work with multiple organizations and manage their schedules independently.

How do freelance science professionals typically find and manage projects, and what challenges might they face?

Freelance science professionals often find projects through networking, online platforms, and collaborations with academic or industry contacts. Managing multiple projects can be challenging, especially in balancing workload, meeting diverse client expectations, and handling administrative tasks like invoicing and contracts. Staying organized and maintaining clear communication with clients is essential. Additionally, freelancers must actively seek out new opportunities to ensure a steady workflow and keep their skills current in a rapidly evolving field.

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 strong background in scientific disciplines, excellent research skills, and proficiency in clear, accurate writing, typically supported by a degree in science, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with citation management tools, content management systems, and databases such as PubMed is often expected. Strong communication, self-motivation, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the delivery of credible, engaging science content for diverse audiences while maintaining professional reliability and adaptability.
What are the most commonly searched types of Science jobs in California? The most popular types of Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Science job openings:
Freelance Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,228 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Freelance Senior Copywriter

AKQA

San Francisco, CA

$2.6K - $3.4K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

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.

Senior Copywriters at AKQA play essential roles in the strategy, conception, and writing of beautiful ideas, products and services. They bring exceptional creative thought and craft output, developing and delivering projects from brief to end user. The Senior Copywriter at AKQA approaches every brief with fresh eyes. Avoiding familiar solutions, they create and inspire work that is distinctive, effective, and truly remarkable, crafting exceptional copy and storytelling across every touchpoint.

We are seeking a talented Freelance Senior Copywriter to support one of the most globally recognized consumer brands in the world, a company with an enormous and deeply loyal customer base whose digital products and services touch millions of people every day. We have been entrusted with the full lifecycle delivery of one of their most significant consumer-facing digital products. This is a meaningful, high-visibility engagement where strong writing directly shapes the experience of millions of people every day. This is a freelance role running from June 29 through September 30, 2026.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

  • Write clear, purposeful, and on-brand copy across digital product surfaces, including UX content, interface writing, onboarding flows, notifications, error states, and transactional messaging
  • Bring a combination of strategic, conceptual, and craft-level copywriting skills to each brief, ensuring every word earns its place within the product experience
  • Collaborate closely with UX designers, product managers, strategists, and engineers to ensure copy and experience are working together at every stage of the process
  • Organize and write copy at the component level, thinking in discrete, structured units that map cleanly to product and CMS-driven page architecture
  • Work within sprint-based delivery cadences, committing to copy milestones with the consistency and velocity that agile product development requires
  • Engage directly with client stakeholders in a collaborative and professional manner, contributing to conversations about voice, tone, and content strategy
  • Approach every brief with curiosity and a drive to find the most clear, human, and effective solution
  • Proofread and quality-check your own work rigorously before delivery

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

  • 5+ years of experience writing copy for digital products and services, with a compelling portfolio that demonstrates range, craft, and product thinking
  • A portfolio that reflects audience-centric writing organized around user needs, moments, and goals rather than feature lists or product descriptions
  • Comfortable working within a large, complex consumer brand with established voice and tone guidelines, and skilled at writing compellingly within those guardrails
  • Strong grasp of tone and the ability to adapt voice across a wide range of product surfaces and user contexts
  • Comfortable committing to sprint timelines and delivering with consistency in a fast-paced, agile environment
  • Collaborative, open to feedback, and motivated by producing work that genuinely serves the people using it
  • Excellent writing, grammar, and proofreading skills
  • A drive to push boundaries and craft the best ideas of their kind

Location & Commitment

  • West Coast based; must be available during Pacific Time working hours
    • Monthly travel to client headquarters for collaborative working sessions of a few days at a time
  • June 29, 2026 through September 30, 2026
  • 40 hours/week
  • Expected weekly compensation: $2,600 to $3,400

Apply