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Science Writing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We continue to courageously forge new paths as we move toward a common goal of elevating science and service for rare patients . Position Summary: The Senior Manager, Medical Writing is responsible ...

Interest or experience in health tech, digital health, science writing, health journalism, or medical content * Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and juggle projects across ...

Medical Content Strategist

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$85K - $100K/yr

Interest or experience in health tech, digital health, science writing, health journalism, or medical content * Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and juggle projects across ...

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Science Writing information

See California salary details

$5

$30

$74

How much do science writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for science writing in California is $30.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $36.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are scientific writing jobs?

Scientific writing jobs involve creating clear, accurate, and accessible documents such as research articles, technical reports, grant proposals, and educational materials. These roles require strong writing skills, knowledge of scientific concepts, and often familiarity with style guides like APA or AMA; they may be found in academia, industry, or publishing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Science Writing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Science Writing, you need a solid understanding of scientific concepts, excellent writing skills, and typically a background in science or journalism. Familiarity with style guides (such as AMA or APA), research databases, and citation management tools is often expected. Strong attention to detail, curiosity, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are highly valued soft skills. These competencies help ensure accurate, engaging, and accessible content that bridges the gap between scientific communities and the public.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a Science Writer?

Science Writers usually spend their days researching scientific topics, interviewing subject matter experts, and writing or editing content for various audiences and formats such as articles, reports, or press releases. They often interpret complex research findings and translate them into clear, engaging, and accurate language that can be understood by non-specialists. Collaboration with scientists, editors, and designers is common to verify technical accuracy and ensure effective communication. Managing deadlines, staying updated with scientific developments, and adhering to editorial standards are also key parts of the role.

What are the careers in science writing?

Careers in science writing include roles such as science journalist, technical writer, medical writer, and science communication specialist. These positions involve translating complex scientific information into accessible content for various audiences and often require strong writing skills, scientific knowledge, and familiarity with research tools and publication standards.

What is a Science Writing job?

A Science Writing job involves communicating scientific information clearly and accurately to a broad audience. Science writers create content for journals, websites, magazines, and other media, translating complex research into accessible language. They may work for research institutes, government agencies, or as freelancers. Strong writing skills and an understanding of scientific concepts are essential for success in this field.

How much does a scientific writer get paid?

Scientific writers typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced writers with specialized knowledge can earn higher salaries, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals or technology.

How much do science writers make?

Science writers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and employment type. Entry-level positions typically start around $40,000 to $60,000 annually, while experienced writers or freelancers can earn $70,000 or more, with some top earners exceeding six figures. Skills in research, editing, and familiarity with scientific topics influence earning potential.
What are the most commonly searched types of Science Writing jobs in California? The most popular types of Science Writing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Science Writing jobs? Cities in California with the most Science Writing job openings:
Infographic showing various Science Writing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,557 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Scientific Writer / Project Development Scientist

Scientific Writer / Project Development Scientist

City of Hope

Duarte, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


City Of Hope rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Join the forefront of groundbreaking research at the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. Our dedicated and compassionate faculty and staff are driven by a common mission: Contribute to innovative approaches in predicting, preventing, and curing diseases, shaping the future of medicine through cutting-edge research.

We are looking for a Scientific Writer / Project Development Scientist who will help lead clinical, translational, and research activities in partnership with Dr. Loretta Erhunmwunsee, Chief of the Health Access and Community Enrichment (HACE) Office at City of Hope. You will work closely with Dr. Erhunmwunsee, laboratory and clinical researchers, biostatisticians, core facility staff, and regulatory staff to shepherd projects from idea conception to manuscript publication.

We are looking for someone with a collaborative spirit who will enjoy working in a multi-disciplinary and fast-paced team setting. You must be meticulously detail oriented and an excellent communicator and have a broad scientific background, that includes health equity and oncology experience and have advanced manuscript and grant writing skills to succeed in this role.

You must have experience or express a keen interest in learning about clinical research, health equity, disparity reduction, regulatory reporting, and research administration. This is a unique hard-money position, where Dr. Erhunmwunsee seeks a research protégé who wishes to learn and grow under her mentorship – the ideal candidate will advance in their career as the Lung, Justice, & Equity (LJE) lab and the Health Access and Community Enrichment office grows and succeeds.  

You will be responsible for preparing high quality written materials for inclusion in grant applications and publications for the HACE Office and the LJE Research Lab. You will also prepare data tables, figures, study schematics, model overviews, conference posters, podium presentations, and reference libraries. You will oversee operations for HACE, in addition to grant development and management, research portfolio execution, the creation of large scale, cross departmental research programs and events, and administration of budget expenses. You will also serve as a project development scientist, providing strategic programmatic and operational management within the HACE Office and the LJE Research Lab. You will report to the Vice President of HACE and the PI for the LJE Lab.

As a successful candidate, you will:

·         Support project design and grant writing. Writes, edits (content, style and grammar/spelling), and proofreads¬ R01 and R01-like grant proposals, scientific manuscripts for peer review, clinical study protocols, or other scientific documents for faculty, research fellows, and students.

·         Lead end-to-end grant and scientific writing efforts, including identifying funding opportunities, developing and submitting proposals, managing deliverables, and representing the research program through publications, presentations, and external collaborations

·         Support grant and project management. Oversee and advance the PI’s clinical research and HACE portfolio by leading operations, cross-functional collaboration, performance tracking, strategic planning, and grant development while driving enterprise-wide initiatives and ensuring achievement of health outcomes and program goals.

·         Lead strategic planning and infrastructure development for HACE and lab programs, partnering with leadership to prioritize needs, create business and project plans, and strengthen research operations and clinical trial capabilities

·         Lead and mentor research and HACE staff while overseeing program operations, performance tracking, and goal execution, ensuring effective team collaboration, continuous communication with leadership, and successful achievement of program objectives

·         Lead community-engaged research initiatives by developing participatory frameworks, fostering stakeholder partnerships, and managing pilot funding programs from proposal design through award administration

·         Develop in-depth knowledge of the research goals of HACE social determinant of health and health equity research work as well as the LJE Research Lab. This position requires continual learning and growth.

Your qualifications should include:

·         Requires a PhD in biomedical sciences, public health, or related field or a Master’s degree with at least three years of scientific writing experience in a healthcare/research/academic environment including experience in management/leadership.

·         Experience with federal and foundation grant submission (e.g. NIH)

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, please CLICK HERE.


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About City of Hope

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hopes translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes specialized cancer expertise. City of Hope is ranked among the nations Best Hospitals in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Duarte, CA, US

Year founded

1913