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Freelance Scientific Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New York Times

Senior Staff Editor, Well

New York, NY · On-site

$124K - $135K/yr

Significant editing experience, including a deep understanding of digital publishing. * Experience supervising beat reporters and freelancers. * Science-literate with a proven ability to parse and ...

AKQA

Senior Designer - Freelance

San Francisco, CA

At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... Experience shooting stills and video, as well as editing and retouching, is an added bonus but not ...

AKQA

Senior Designer - Freelance

San Francisco, CA · On-site

At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... Experience shooting stills and video, as well as editing and retouching, is an added bonus but not ...

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Freelance Scientific Editing information

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How much do freelance scientific editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance scientific editing in the United States is $62.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.34 and $68.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is freelance scientific editing?

A Freelance Scientific Editing job involves reviewing and refining scientific manuscripts, research papers, grant proposals, or other technical documents to improve clarity, coherence, grammar, and adherence to journal or style guidelines. Freelance scientific editors typically work with researchers, academics, or publishers to ensure that scientific content is well-structured and error-free. This job requires strong subject-matter expertise, attention to detail, and proficiency in scientific writing conventions. Editors may work independently, set their own schedules, and take on projects based on their expertise and availability.

What are some typical challenges faced by freelance scientific editors, and how can they be managed?

Freelance scientific editors often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, complex or highly technical manuscripts, and balancing multiple projects from different clients. To manage these, it's important to establish clear communication with clients about expectations and timelines, develop effective time-management strategies, and continue professional development to stay current with scientific standards and writing styles. Many editors also network with other freelancers or join professional associations for support, resource sharing, and continued learning. Building a strong portfolio and maintaining a reputation for reliability can help secure repeat business and streamline workflow management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in freelance scientific editing, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Scientific Editor, you need advanced proficiency in scientific writing, subject-matter expertise (often at the PhD or MSc level), and a keen eye for detail. Familiarity with reference management software, editing tools like Microsoft Word (with track changes), and certifications such as BELS (Board of Editors in the Life Sciences) or CSE are commonly valued. Strong communication, time management, and self-motivation are key soft skills that enable effective client interactions and meeting multiple deadlines. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure scientific accuracy, maintain client satisfaction, and build a reputable freelance editing career.

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Freelance Scientific Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Scientific Editing job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,079 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Freelance Medical Editor

Belmont, MA • Remote

Hueman PE Talent Solutions
See more jobs at Hueman PE Talent Solutionsexternal

$25 - $40/hr

Contractor

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Are you a detail-oriented medical editor with a passion for producing clear, accurate, and polished content? Do you have a strong command of grammar, punctuation, and medical style and enjoy working across a variety of print, digital, and multimedia projects? If you take pride in maintaining accuracy and consistency while working under tight deadlines, you may be our next Freelance Medical Editor.

As a Freelance Medical Editor at CLD, you will proofread and edit medical and scientific content across scripts, storyboards, print layouts, multimedia presentations, and digital learning materials. You will work as part of a collaborative, deadline-driven publishing team to ensure content is accurate, clear, consistent, and aligned with client-specific style and formatting requirements.

About Custom Learning Designs

Custom Learning Designs (CLD) creates innovative, customized training materials for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries. Our talented team of in-house professionals develops comprehensive learning solutions across the training spectrum, working collaboratively to meet each client's unique needs and deliver high-quality print and online training materials.

Job Requirements

  • Proofread and edit medical and scientific scripts, storyboards, print layouts, and multimedia presentations for correctness, clarity, and quality

  • Apply style preferences specific to each client or project and maintain clear separation between client-specific styles

  • Review documents for adherence to formatting and style requirements and maintain consistency across multiple deliverables

  • Perform quality checks of eLearning, mobile applications, workshops, and print modules

  • Prepare bibliographies and quality-control references for accuracy and compliance with preferred client citation styles

  • Maintain the internal database of journal and textbook references using EndNote

  • Create and update client-specific wordlists and style guidelines

  • Upload documents to clients' electronic referencing systems

  • Collaborate with project teams to support accurate and timely delivery of content

  • Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining a high standard of quality

  • Ensure consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail across multi-component learning solutions

Qualifications

  • BA/BS in English or a related subject area, or equivalent experience

  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience

  • Advanced knowledge of grammar and punctuation rules

  • Expertise in the AMA Manual of Style, 11th edition, preferred

  • Keen attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work

  • Highly organized with the ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under tight deadlines

  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint in a PC environment

  • Experience using databases is a plus

As a Freelance Medical Editor at CLD, you will have the opportunity to apply your editing expertise to a variety of medical education and training projects for leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies. If you are highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to accuracy and quality, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful learning solutions alongside a talented, collaborative team.

If you are interested in learning more about a career with Custom Learning Designs as a Freelance Medical Editor, apply today!