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Science Writing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Travere

Senior Manager, Medical Writing

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

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 ...

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How much do science writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in science writing?

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 does a science writer do?

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.

Is science writing a good career?

Science writing is a viable career that involves communicating scientific concepts to diverse audiences through articles, reports, and digital media. Success in this field often requires strong writing skills, a background in science or research, and familiarity with tools like content management systems. It offers opportunities in publishing, media, and academia, with flexible schedules and the potential for freelance or full-time work.

What is science writing?

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 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 those working for major organizations can earn over $80,000 or more per year. Freelance science writers may have variable income depending on project volume and rates.

What is a science writer's job?

A science writer creates clear, accurate, and engaging content to communicate scientific concepts to a general audience. They often work for publications, research institutions, or media outlets, and use skills in research, writing, and editing to translate complex scientific information into accessible language.
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 are popular job titles related to Science Writing jobs in California? For Science Writing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Science Writing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
Science Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Writing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,557 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Scientific Writer II, Preclinical Research

Pharmaron

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position: Scientific Writer II, Preclinical Research

Pay Range: $60k - $75k

Location: Carlsbad, CA (On-site)

About Pharmaron

Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the US, UK, China, and Singapore, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated high-quality services.

We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported 887 discovery projects, 1,100+ CMC programs, and 1,397 clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,300 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.

What You'll Do

Join Pharmaron's Preclinical Research team as a Scientific Writer II, where you'll play a critical role in preparing high-quality nonclinical study protocols, reports, and scientific documentation supporting pharmaceutical and medical device research. Working closely with Study Directors and multidisciplinary scientific teams, you'll translate complex preclinical study data into clear, accurate, and GLP-compliant documentation that supports the successful execution and reporting of nonclinical studies.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented scientific writer with experience supporting preclinical research who enjoys transforming complex scientific findings into well-organized, regulatory-compliant reports. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a diverse portfolio of nonclinical studies while working in a collaborative, fast-paced CRO environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Partner with multidisciplinary scientific teams to develop, review, and finalize nonclinical study protocols, reports, and scientific documentation supporting pharmaceutical and medical device development.
  • Translate complex scientific data into clear, concise, and scientifically accurate protocols, study reports, summaries, and regulatory documentation.
  • Prepare publication-quality tables, figures, graphs, and data visualizations that effectively communicate study results and scientific conclusions.
  • Provide scientific writing guidance, editorial support, and standardized language to ensure clarity, consistency, and scientific accuracy across all documentation.
  • Ensure documentation complies with GLP regulations, sponsor requirements, company standards, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
  • Collaborate with Study Directors, scientists, Quality Assurance, and cross-functional teams to ensure timely completion of study documentation.
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of protocol, report, and template libraries within Provantis.
  • Generate statistical tables and apply appropriate reporting tools using Provantis.
  • Contribute to continuous process improvement through the development and revision of SOPs, templates, and scientific writing best practices.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to Assistant Scientific Writers and Scientific Writer I team members.
  • Manage multiple writing projects simultaneously while meeting established study timelines.

What We're Looking For

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Bachelor's degree with 3+ years, Master's degree with 2+ years, or Ph.D. with relevant industry experience in scientific writing, preclinical research, or a related scientific field.
  • Experience authoring or reviewing nonclinical protocols, study reports, or regulatory documentation within a CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device environment.
  • Strong understanding of preclinical drug development, GLP studies, and scientific documentation supporting pharmaceutical or medical device programs.
  • Experience working in a GLP-regulated environment is strongly preferred.
  • Experience using Provantis or similar electronic data management and reporting systems is preferred.
  • Exceptional scientific writing, technical editing, and document review skills with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret complex scientific data and communicate findings clearly and accurately.

Why Pharmaron?

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 25,000 employees and operations in the US, UK, China, and Singapore. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

Collaborative Culture: You will thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners, and collaborators.

Benefits: As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with significant employer contributions
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with generous employer matching
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Sick Leave & Company Holidays to support work-life balance
  • Employer-funded Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions (for eligible plans), plus Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 100% Employer-paid Employee Life Insurance, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), mental health resources, and wellness programs
  • Family-friendly benefits, including fertility support and maternity resources
  • Professional development and career growth opportunities within a leading global CRO/CDMO

How to Apply:

Ready to seize this incredible opportunity? Join us at Pharmaron and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development. Apply online today!

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, Pharmaron values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the world of life sciences.

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