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Freelance Scientific Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

... scientific advisers, and news media. * Advises staff and authors on editing and publishing options ... May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among ...

Founded by scientists, CompareNetworks is a leading provider of online B2B marketplaces for the ... You write clearly, edit ruthlessly and hold your own work - and your freelancers' work - to the ...

$76K - $87K/yr

Manages, reviews, and oversees the work of freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers ... medical or scientific editing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Senior Editor, Books

Washington, DC · On-site

$76K - $87K/yr

Manages, reviews, and oversees the work of freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers ... medical or scientific editing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional one-off editing tasks round out the role. PRINCIPAL DUTIES * Research and write original ... Edit or rewrite freelance manuscripts for style, accuracy, and readability. * Review all copy ...

At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... Bring an ACD-level point of view, elevating ideas and self-editing sharply to keep quality high ...

... editing standards and ongoing performance feedback • Manage a freelance roster of 8-12 ... PreciseTarget is a data science company providing apparel and fashion brands for retailers, brands ...

Reporting to WIRED's senior director, science, politics, and security, you'll work with an ... In this role, you'll be responsible for editing a variety of stories, anything from breaking news ...

Staff Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Reporting to WIRED's senior director, science, politics, and security, you'll work with an ... In this role, you'll be responsible for editing a variety of stories, anything from breaking news ...

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Reporting to WIRED's senior director, science, politics, and security, you'll work with an ... In this role, you'll be responsible for editing a variety of stories, anything from breaking news ...

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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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Infographic showing various Freelance Scientific Editing job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,079 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Editor

Washington, DC • On-site

National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

$73K - $92K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Edits reports, articles, and other materials to ensure they conform to organizational standards for style, content, and format.

  • Works with various production staff and authors to coordinate revisions, discuss projects, and guide publications through to completion.

  • May supervise, hire, train, and evaluate editorial assistants and coordinate freelance activities.


Job description

EditorSkip to main content#Editor page is loaded## EditorApplylocations: Keck Centertime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R0002742## **Job Description Summary:**Edits text and graphics for publication, including articles, manuscripts, reports, websites, journals, magazines, and/or brochures. Reads and evaluates reports and/or other materials and documents to determine the extent of editorial problems and shortcomings. Looks for inconsistencies of thought, development, or organization. Confers with authors and recommends treatment of material. Reorganizes, cuts, or rewrites as necessary. Ensures material conforms to organization’s and unit’s standards for style, content, and format. Works with editorial and production staff and contractors to guide manuscripts through to publication. May contribute original material where appropriate, writing about topics for a variety of audiences in multiple media formats. Incumbent independently performs complex editing and writing tasks. Under general direction, applies specific professional-level functional knowledge to solve complex problems and has authority to deviate from standard practices, but must advise superiors of such action as well as non-routine matters. May hire, train, supervise, and evaluate support staff or serve in a lead capacity.## **Job Description:****ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:*** Edits reports, articles, etc. and may help to shape presentation, restructuring and rewriting as needed. Marks up for composition. Ensures material conforms to organization’s and unit’s standards for style, content, accessibility, and format. Works with designers, graphic artists, layout specialists, web developers, marketing, and production staff on all aspects of production.* Negotiates revisions with authors. May network with prospective authors, scientific advisers, and news media.* Advises staff and authors on editing and publishing options. Holds meetings to discuss current and future projects. Answers editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports, articles, or other publications.* May have supervisory responsibility for editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work.* May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among freelancers.**NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES*** Related duties and special projects as assigned.**JOB SPECIFICATIONS**ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:Edits reports, articles, etc. and may help to shape presentation, restructuring and rewriting as needed. Marks up for composition. Ensures material conforms to organization’s and unit’s standards for style, content, accessibility, and format. Works with designers, graphic artists, layout specialists, web developers, marketing, and production staff on all aspects of production. Negotiates revisions with authors. May network with prospective authors, scientific advisers, and news media. Advises staff and authors on editing and publishing options. Holds meetings to discuss current and future projects. Answers editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports, articles, or other publications. May have supervisory responsibility for editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work. May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among freelancers.NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES* Related duties and special projects as assigned.**JOB SPECIFICATIONS****Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:**Proficiency in Microsoft Word (including track changes and styles). Practical knowledge of WordPress or other content management system, HTML, and CSS desired. Ability to solve problems of variety and complexity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of problems and issues. Ability to operate independently and exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment, discretion, and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies’ departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees.**Minimum Education/Training Requirements:** Bachelor’s Degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field, or equivalent knowledge.**Minimum Experience:**Three years of related professional experience.**Physical Capabilities:** Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.**Required Licenses, Certification or Registration:** None.**Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls:** Reports to Director or other higher level editorial position. General supervision is provided. May supervise junior staff.**Compensation & Benefits:** An estimated compensation range for this position is $73,760 - $92,190. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more information, please click here.**Work Environment:**Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.**Equal Opportunity Employer:**It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.*Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units***Job Family:**PUBL## **Employee Type:**Employee## **Scheduled Weekly Hours:**37.5## **City/State:**Washington, District of Columbia### About Us**Welcome!**The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine work together as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,and Medicine to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions.* The National Academies: An OverviewThe National Academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine.* View our Publications: The National Academies Press**Attachments:**Attachments are required for your job application at the National Academies. Please attach your resume, and cover letter, or other application details for review as part of your application to The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.**Questions Submitting Your Application**:If you have questions about submitting your application, please contact OHRRecruitment@nas.edu**EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:**It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified. #J-18808-Ljbffr