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Science Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Princeton University

Science Writer

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$89K - $101K/yr

Overview The Science Writer serves the Office of Communications by developing news and feature stories for internal and external audiences that highlight the national and global impact of Princeton ...

Princeton University

Science Writer

Princeton, NJ · On-site

Overview The Science Writer serves the Office of Communications by developing news and feature stories for internal and external audiences that highlight the national and global impact of Princeton ...

Princeton University

Science Writer

Princeton, NJ

Overview The Science Writer serves the Office of Communications by developing news and feature stories for internal and external audiences that highlight the national and global impact of Princeton ...

Mass General Brigham

Science Writer

Boston, MA · On-site

$50K - $82K/yr

The Scientific Writer collaborates closely with researchers and clinical investigator to translate complex scientific and clinical information into accessible content for medical professionals ...

North Carolina State University

Science Writer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The science writer is a key member of this team, translating the college's research and discoveries into accessible stories for the public, students, donors, and the scientific community. Wolfpack ...

NCSU

Science Writer

Raleigh, NC

The science writer is a key member of this team, translating the college's research and discoveries into accessible stories for the public, students, donors, and the scientific community. Wolfpack ...

Massgeneralbrigham

Science Writer

Boston, MA · On-site

$50K - $82K/yr

The Scientific Writer collaborates closely with researchers and clinical investigator to translate complex scientific and clinical information into accessible content for medical professionals ...

Massachusetts General Hospital

Science Writer

Boston, MA · On-site

$50K - $82K/yr

The Scientific Writer collaborates closely with researchers and clinical investigator to translate complex scientific and clinical information into accessible content for medical professionals ...

Guidehouse

Science Writer

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$85K - $141K/yr

Ability to Obtain Public Trust We are seeking a Science Writer to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by developing scientific, technical, and policy documentation. The role involves ...

Guidehouse

Science Writer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

Ability to Obtain Public Trust We are seeking a Science Writer to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by developing scientific, technical, and policy documentation. The role involves ...

EssentiallySimple.net

Science Writer

$150/hr

Science Buzz is a pre-launch blog that's focused on making research in the physical sciences ... You can write clearly about complex topics. This means you know the Jargon of the field, but can ...

Mori Associates

Senior Science Writer

Washington, DC · On-site

$46.57 - $47.03/hr

Tell the Story of Science Beyond Earth MORI Associates is seeking a senior science writer to bring NASA's Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) research to life for audiences around the world. In ...

Thorlabs

Science Writer II

Newton, NJ · On-site

The Science Writer II role is responsible for strengthening Thorlabs' position as a leading manufacturer of Photonics products through the creation of effective technical presentations, application ...

Ladgov Corporation

Scientific Writer

San Juan, PR · On-site

Develop communication materials related to hurricane recovery and forest resilience science. * Provide writing support for briefings to USDA leadership, Congress, and the public. * Collaborate with ...

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How much do science writer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for science writer in the United States is $70,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do science writers get paid?

Science writers' salaries vary based on experience, education, and location, but typically range from $45,000 to $85,000 annually. Freelance science writers may earn per project or word, with rates often between $0.10 and $1.00 per word. Experienced writers with specialized knowledge or advanced degrees can earn higher salaries or project fees.

How to become a science writer?

To become a science writer, individuals typically need a strong background in science, often a bachelor's degree in a related field, along with excellent writing skills. Gaining experience through internships, freelance writing, or contributing to science publications can help build a portfolio. Familiarity with scientific concepts, research methods, and tools like data visualization or editing software is also beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science writer?

To thrive as a Science Writer, you need a solid background in scientific concepts, strong research abilities, and exceptional writing and editing skills, often supported by a degree in science or journalism. Familiarity with citation management tools, content management systems, and scientific databases is usually required. Attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly are essential soft skills that set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for crafting accurate, engaging, and accessible content that effectively bridges the gap between scientific experts and the general public.

Are science writers in demand?

Science writers are in steady demand as organizations seek clear communication of complex scientific information for audiences such as the public, policymakers, and industry professionals. Employment opportunities are often available in media outlets, research institutions, and science-focused organizations, with success often relying on strong writing skills and familiarity with scientific topics.

What are some typical challenges science writers face in this role?

Science Writers often encounter the challenge of translating complex scientific concepts into clear, compelling language for a broader audience without compromising accuracy. They must stay up-to-date with the latest research and frequently juggle tight deadlines while coordinating with subject matter experts and editors. Additionally, working in a fast-paced environment sometimes requires quick adaptation to new topics or publication formats. Overcoming these challenges sharpens communication skills, broadens subject expertise, and builds a portfolio of diverse, high-impact work.

What is a science writer?

A Science Writer researches, writes, and edits content about scientific topics for various audiences. They translate complex scientific information into clear and engaging articles, reports, or scripts for publications, websites, and media outlets. Science Writers may work for universities, research organizations, media companies, or as freelancers. Their work helps bridge the gap between scientists and the public by making scientific discoveries and advancements accessible and understandable.

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Science Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Writer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,499 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Science Writer

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ • On-site

$89K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Princeton University rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Overview
The Science Writer serves the Office of Communications by developing news and feature stories for internal and external audiences that highlight the national and global impact of Princeton University's research and education in the sciences. This position also contributes ideas and content for social media, media outreach, and other communications initiatives. Working closely with the Office of Communications' multimedia team, the Science Writer helps create engaging content across a variety of formats, including articles, videos, and infographics.
The Science Writer focuses primarily on Princeton's physical, natural, and life sciences, while also supporting coverage of interdisciplinary research that spans areas such as engineering, psychology, and other academic fields. As needed during high-volume periods, this position may also contribute to general news coverage and assist with stories on colleagues' beats, including the humanities, social sciences, and campus life.
The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Above all, the Science Writer must be an exceptional communicator with strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, and the ability to build productive relationships with faculty, researchers, administrators, and campus partners. Developing and maintaining sources across Princeton's scientific community is a key aspect of this role.
The Science Writer must also be able to identify the significance and broader relevance of scholarly research, even when those implications are not immediately apparent, and evaluate its strategic value for University communications. Under the guidance of the Managing Editor, the Science Writer will support office priorities and contribute to broader University communications goals through a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach.
The Science Writer also helps conceptualize, write, and edit content for the University's homepage, social media channels, and key print, video, and digital projects. This position plays a deadline-driven role in shaping and reviewing communications materials to ensure they meet editorial standards, achieve strategic objectives, and align with University style guidelines. The role may also include advising communicators and science writers from other campus units, including editing and developing stories for publication on the University homepage.
Responsibilities
Promote Princeton's Teaching, Research, and Service Missions
  • Work to ensure broad internal and external coverage of the University's teaching, research, and service missions, with a particular emphasis on science.
  • Develop story ideas, identify research news opportunities, and produce compelling news and feature stories for the University homepage, institutional publications, external media audiences, and social media platforms. Collaborate closely with multimedia staff to create engaging storytelling across multiple formats.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and communications partners across campus to identify story opportunities and cultivate sources within Princeton's scientific research community.
  • Serve as a collaborative resource for communications partners and connect faculty and staff with colleagues across the Office of Communications, including the Social Media, Media Relations, Internal Communications, and Multimedia teams.
  • Help coordinate the dissemination of news and information across University communications channels.
  • Provide support for general news coverage and assist with coverage of other editorial team members' beats, including the humanities, social sciences, and campus life, as needed during peak periods.
  • Contribute to the development of editorial content for major print, digital, and multimedia projects produced by the Office of Communications and campus partners.
  • Partner with stakeholders to develop, refine, and finalize content that meets communications objectives and editorial standards.

Support Communications Operations and Team Goals
  • Actively participate in team meetings and planning discussions.
  • Maintain accurate records of stories, projects, and communications activities in designated tracking systems and databases.
  • Assist with the coverage and promotion of major University events, including Commencement and Opening Exercises.
  • Pursue ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in science communication, journalism, and digital storytelling.
  • Regularly communicate workload, priorities, and project status to the Managing Editor to ensure effective allocation of resources and timely completion of assignments.
  • Contribute to achieving broader Office of Communications goals and priorities.

Qualifications
Essential Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Four to six years of professional experience in a fast-paced writing, journalism, communications, or public relations environment.
  • Demonstrated experience translating complex research for broad audiences.
  • Strong understanding of current developments and emerging trends in the sciences, as well as a broad awareness of news and current events.
  • Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and interviewing skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and digital content management systems such as Drupal.
  • Experience collaborating on multimedia projects, including video, photography, graphic design, or other digital storytelling initiatives.
  • Strong knowledge of AP Style.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Educational background in a scientific discipline or significant experience covering science-related topics.
  • Experience working in higher education or a university setting.
  • Familiarity with social media platforms and digital audience engagement strategies.

Application Requirements
Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.
Standard Weekly Hours
36.25
Eligible for Overtime
No
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Probationary Period
180 days
Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
No
Physical Capacity Exam Required
No
Valid Driver's License Required
No
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
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Salary Range
$89,000 to $101,000

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