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Freelance Scientific Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Ideas Editor

Boston, MA · On-site

$90K - $122K/yr

... science, and technology. The deputy Ideas editor collaborates with the Ideas section's three other ... Experience working with writers, particularly freelancers. * The candidate should have produced ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Associate Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

They should have a background in assigning and editing argument-driven essays and analysis, and be ... freelancers. The ideal candidate will be a strong line editor who is creative and opportunistic ...

Senior Associate Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

They should have a background in assigning and editing argument-driven essays and analysis, and be ... freelancers. The ideal candidate will be a strong line editor who is creative and opportunistic ...

Video Editor

Austin, TX · On-site

$70K/yr

Qualifications * 3+ years of professional video editing and production experience. * A strong ... Experience coordinating freelance crews or managing small-scale video productions from concept ...

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Freelance Scientific Editing information

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How much do freelance scientific editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,079 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Deputy Ideas Editor

Boston Globe Media

Boston, MA • On-site

$90K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description


Boston Globe Opinion is looking to hire a deputy editor for Ideas, its standalone, eight-page section of reported articles, essays, commentary, video, and interviews about politics, culture, social change, education, science, and technology.
The deputy Ideas editor collaborates with the Ideas section's three other staffers -- the editor, an associate editor, a staff writer -- to identify stories worth pursuing; recruit and commission freelance contributors; and edit articles from outside contributors and Globe opinion writers. This editor would also be asked to work closely with our video team to produce short and long-form video from Ideas content and featuring Ideas contributors. Experience producing high-quality visuals, whether video, illustrations, graphics, or photographs, is a plus.
Ambition will be encouraged: We want this editor to regularly produce the kinds of thoughtful, needle-moving, surprising, and delightful content - whether 2,000-word pieces that can grace the section cover, incisive 900-word analyses of current events, or 90-second social video.
Leadership is also part of the job: When the Ideas editor is away, this editor will be called upon to help oversee the section.
Responsibilities:
  • Be capable of handling all the basic responsibilities involved in producing the weekly section online and in print.
  • Evaluate incoming pitches with an eye to what will surprise, delight, and enlighten readers, while provoking unconventional thinking and engaging debates.
  • Generate nuanced, thoughtful, timely ideas of their own.
  • Find and cultivate compelling writers and commission pieces from them.
  • Work closely with those writers through initial concepts, first drafts, revisions, and final digital and print production.
  • Have a stylish eye for strong visuals, and have the ability to commission and create them.
  • Write sharp, alluring headlines and social copy.
  • Imagine and work with digital editors to produce multimedia versions of our essays, including short video, graphics, quizzes, and animation.
  • Contribute to live events involving our writers.
  • Oversee production of the section when the Ideas editor is away.

Qualifications:
  • At least seven years of journalism experience and the highest standards for accuracy, fairness, and depth of reporting.
  • Experience working with writers, particularly freelancers.
  • The candidate should have produced - either as a writer, editor, or both - columns, stories, or videos that blend reporting and original arguments/commentary.
  • An understanding of how opinion journalism differs from news reporting and writing.
  • A willingness to produce video and other multimedia, as well as an openness to working with multimedia editors on audio, video, graphics, and social media.
  • Relationships with a diverse network of writers and sources will be considered a plus. So will experience covering science, technology, business, or culture, though it is not required.
  • A commitment to bringing a broad spectrum of voices into the section, including from writers and video influencers whose points of view the editor might not agree with.
  • A willingness to adapt and be audience focused, with a curious mindset and a commitment to creating an inclusive work environment

The BGMP office is located in downtown Boston, near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, and is easily accessible by MBTA and commuter rail lines. This position is based in Boston, and candidates should be based in the area or willing to move.
The annual salary range for this role is $90,000 - $122,000.
This range reflects the band for this role. We are committed to fair and market-informed compensation. It is anticipated that most qualified candidates could be hired within the midpoint of the range. Compensation for the successful candidate will be informed by their particular combination of skills, experience, and qualifications.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
EEO Statement: At Boston Globe Media, our mission is to empower, connect, and convene our communities with independent, trusted journalism and storytelling. We know a critical part of achieving this is by having a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. Boston Globe Media is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes candidates and colleagues of all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and skills.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.