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Science Writing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MKS2 Technologies

Technical Writer (onsite)

Monterey, CA

$65K - $78K/yr

Experience in technical or scientific writing . * Demonstrated ability to independently research, write, and edit materials such as white papers, fact sheets, multimedia content, web features, press ...

River Partners

Science Director

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Create written and verbal communication pieces in collaboration with the Advancement Director to support fundraising Provide Science oversight for proposals and pitches for foundation and private ...

River Partners

Science Director

Sacramento, CA · On-site

... written and verbal communication pieces in collaboration with the Advancement Director to support fundraising • Provide Science oversight for proposals and pitches for foundation and private ...

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All JobsScience Writing JobsScience Writing Jobs in California

Science Writing information

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$5

$30

$74

How much do science writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 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 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 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 the complexity of the subject matter. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced writers or those working in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by freelance work or additional skills such as data visualization or editing.

How much does science writing pay?

Science writers' salaries vary based on experience, education, and employment type. Entry-level positions typically pay between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, while experienced writers or freelancers can earn $70,000 or more, especially with specialized knowledge or advanced degrees. Many science writers work in publishing, media, or as freelancers, often requiring strong research skills and familiarity with scientific concepts.

What jobs combine science and writing?

Science writing jobs include roles such as science communicator, medical writer, technical writer, and science journalist. These positions involve translating complex scientific concepts into clear, accessible content for various audiences and often require strong writing skills and a background in science or related fields.

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 magazines, websites, or research institutions, and use skills in research, writing, and editing to translate complex 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,557 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Associate Director, Medical Writer

MannKind Corporation

Westlake Village, CA • On-site

$148K - $222K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

MannKind Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming chronic disease care through innovative, patient-centric solutions, developing and commercializing innovative inhaled therapeutics and drug-device technologies aimed at addressing serious unmet needs across endocrine, cardiorenal, and orphan lung diseases. The company applies deep expertise in formulation science and inhalation-device engineering to reduce the treatment burden for conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
MannKind's core technologies, including ultrafine dry-powder formulations and advanced inhalation platforms, enable rapid, convenient delivery of medicines directly to the deep lung. This approach supports both local pulmonary targeting and systemic delivery for various medical indications. Through alternative drug formulations and delivery mechanisms, MannKind aims to bring forward differentiated, patient-centric therapies that expand treatment options to improve outcomes across chronic and rare diseases.
At MannKind, our employees are our greatest asset. We foster a close-knit, collaborative culture where every team member plays a vital role in our mission. We are proud to champion a rich blend of backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles as we work together to improve health outcomes and change lives.
Position Summary:
MannKind Corporation is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Medical Writer to join our team. The Medical Writer will provide advanced scientific writing expertise and ensure the successful preparation of high-quality documents including but not limited to study protocols, CSRs, DSURS, IB, safety narratives, publications and submission documents. This role involves providing medical writing support for multiple compounds and projects within multiple therapeutic areas, potentially interfacing with external groups, and serving as the scientific writing expert for the department.
Essential Duties and Job Functions:
  • Coordinate and lead the review, approval, and production of writing projects, arranging and driving review meetings with cross-functional teams.
  • Ensure effective communication among project team members and contributors, holding them accountable to agreed-upon project dates.
  • Leads strategic document preparation for INDs, NDAs and briefing documents
  • Establish best practices, workflow infrastructure/templates, and standards to enhance consistency and quality across all regulatory and scientific documents.
  • Oversee the development and finalization of high-quality, scientifically accurate, ICH-compliant documents, including clinical study protocols and reports, Investigator Brochures, Periodic Safety Updates, patient narratives, and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.
  • Stay abreast of global regulatory requirements and guidelines (FDA, EMA, PMDA, ICH, etc.), ensuring company compliance and best practices.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams, including clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, safety to ensure seamless integration of medical writing.
  • Lead and oversee medical writing project timelines, ensuring alignment with broader corporate milestones.
  • Serve as the medical writer representative on project teams.
  • Write and edit scientific, clinical, or abstracts, posters, presentations, digital enhancements, and manuscripts aligned with scientific narrative and objectives.
  • Complete reviews, quality checks and approvals.
  • Summarize results presented in graphical, tabular, and/or listing format.
  • Interpret complex clinical data and convert it into clear, concise, and engaging scientific content for diverse audiences.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:
  • BS/BA +12 / MS/MBA 8-10, PhD 5+
  • Degree in science or medical related field. Master's or PhD preferred.
  • Minimum of 7 years relevant industry experience in medical writing in sponsor/CRO setting or academia, or related areas such as quality, regulatory submissions, publications, clinical research, or product support/R&D.
  • Knowledge of US and international regulations, requirements, and guidance associated with writing projects.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to correct errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, consistency, clarity, and accuracy.
  • Extensive experience working with collaborative, cross-functional teams
  • Develop and/or update document templates, work instructions, style guides, and department-related processes (SOPs)
  • Experience working on publications for multiple therapeutic areas, endocrinology and pulmonology preferred.
  • Understanding of publication/scientific communication guidelines.
  • Ability to provide strategic oversight while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Deep understanding of ICH-GCP guidelines and other relevant regulatory requirements.
  • Strategic thinker with strong execution skills.

#LI-Remote
#LI-Onsite
Pay Range: $148,000 - $222,000 per year

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