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Scientific Copy Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ... and copy queries; seeing stories through production processes; and partnering with social and/or ...

Reporting to WIRED's senior director, science, politics, and security, you'll work with an ... and copy queries; seeing stories through production processes; and partnering with social and/or ...

... editor, art, and account partners to ensure that clients are satisfied with the quality of the ... Strong interest in science and healthcare, understanding of medical, regulatory and legal review ...

New

We are a full-service agency with 25 years of history supporting pharmaceutical and life science ... Proofread word-for-word against approved copy, and evaluating layouts for problems with spacing ...

... science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing ... Crafts clear, compelling marketing and advertising copy in support of exhibitions, programs ...

Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$58K - $75K/yr

We are a full-service agency with 25 years of history supporting pharmaceutical and life science ... Proofread word-for-word against approved copy, and evaluating layouts for problems with spacing ...

Write and refine persuasive, compliant content , translating complex scientific data into ... A meticulous editor , ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency in all content. * A collaborative ...

Copy Supervisor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Write and refine persuasive, compliant content , translating complex scientific data into ... A meticulous editor , ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency in all content. * A collaborative ...

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Scientific Copy Editor information

See California salary details

$12

$28

$46

How much do scientific copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific copy editor in California is $28.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a scientific copy editor do?

A Scientific Copy Editor reviews and refines scientific manuscripts, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to style guidelines. They correct grammar, punctuation, and formatting while also checking for consistency in terminology and data presentation. Additionally, they may verify references, improve readability, and ensure compliance with publisher or journal requirements. Their role is essential in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of scientific publications.

What types of documents or publications does a scientific copy editor typically work on?

Scientific Copy Editors commonly work on peer-reviewed journal articles, research manuscripts, grant proposals, clinical trial reports, and textbooks. They ensure that each document adheres to specific formatting requirements and style guides, while also checking for consistency and clarity. Collaborating closely with authors, researchers, and journal editorial teams, copy editors play a key role in readying content for publication. This variety provides valuable exposure to cutting-edge research across disciplines and helps develop specialized expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scientific copy editor, and why are they important?

A Scientific Copy Editor should possess a strong command of scientific terminology, impeccable grammar, and attention to detail, typically supported by a degree in science, English, or related fields. Familiarity with editing tools like Microsoft Word, reference management software, and style guides such as AMA, APA, or Chicago Manual is often required. Excellent communication, time management, and the ability to provide constructive feedback help set top performers apart. These skills ensure the accuracy and clarity of scientific content, enhancing the quality and credibility of published research.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Copy Editor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Scientific Copy Editor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Scientific Copy Editor jobs in California?

For Scientific Copy Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Scientific Copy Editor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,026 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Staff Editor

Condé Nast

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

WIRED is where a better future is imagined. For three decades, we have been the indispensable guide to a world in constant transformation. We cover humanity's biggest challenges, from climate change to global security, from pandemic preparedness to the future of democracy, and tell stories of the people trying to solve these challenges and the role science and technology can play-for good or ill. WIRED reaches more than 30 million people each month through WIRED.com, our digital edition, the magazine, social media, and live events.
Job Description
Location:
San Francisco, CA
Staff Editor-WIRED
WIRED is seeking a staff editor for our newsroom. Reporting to WIRED's senior director, science, politics, and security, you'll work with an experienced team of reporters and editors to edit stories from multiple desks and manage syndications from international WIRED brands.
In this role, you'll be responsible for editing a variety of stories, anything from breaking news about a ransomware incident to an embargoed biotech breakthrough. We're looking for an editor with experience covering one of WIRED's core coverage areas and an interest in the broad range of what we report on. In this role you'll also be responsible for editing translated stories from WIRED's international counterparts and seeing them through our production process.
Our priority is ambitious, impactful work. That can take many forms: a major scoop, a deeply reported investigation, timely analysis, a special project. You should be comfortable with editing these types of stories, and especially the iterative news coverage that fuels them.
To be successful in this position you should have a good eye for surprising angles on stories and the ability to spot the wider significance of a new development. You should also be a sharp line editor, good at structuring an argument and eliminating jargon. You should be a polymath, not just able but eager to immerse yourself in a broad range of topics.
You'll need to be able to prioritize your time and collaborate with colleagues in San Francisco, New York, London, and points between. You'll work closely not only with the science, politics, and security desks, but also collaborate with other desks as coverage demands. You'll also collaborate frequently with WIRED's digital video team to execute cross-platform coverage that brings the best of WIRED to platforms including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels.
This role can be based out of our New York City or San Francisco offices.
This is a Guild position.
Primary/Ongoing Responsibilities:
  • Edit stories from across the WIRED newsroom depending on need.
  • Edit stories syndicated from WIRED's international brands to make sure they align with our editorial style and standards.
  • Work with external partners to identify stories for syndication, and bring those through our production process.
  • Work with WIRED's director, science, politics, and security on various tasks that elevate our coverage, including but not limited to filing FOIA requests, coordinating with freelance contributors, and more.
  • Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help WIRED deliver differentiated business coverage.
  • Coordinate with other WIRED teams on all aspects of the story process, partnering with photo/art on visuals and design; answering fact-checking and copy queries; seeing stories through production processes; and partnering with social and/or video to ensure stories have maximum impact.
  • Contribute to brand extensions, social platforms, and additional projects as needed.
  • Represent the brand in a public-facing way as necessary, such as on social media, in press opportunities, panels and speaking engagements, and internal company presentations.
  • Additional projects/stories as assigned.

Desired Qualifications:
  • At least 2 years of experience as an editor in a fast paced, digital and news-driven environment
  • A past portfolio of work that reflects significant experience covering the tech industry, cybersecurity, science, or another core area of WIRED coverage, including a consistent record of breaking news
  • Experience overseeing multi-platform content from brainstorm to execution; the ability to balance daily deadlines with longer-lead projects
  • Experience and passion for delivering big, ambitious coverage, particularly around Big Tech, climate, and other core areas of focus
  • Highly collaborative with excellent communication skills; adept at working with a diverse team of fact checkers, copy editors, designers, photo editors, digital producers, social media producers and story editors
  • Excellent time management and prioritization skills

The expected base salary range for this position is from $80,000 - $105,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, and education.
What happens next?
If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply below, and we will review your application as soon as possible. You can update your resume or upload a cover letter at any time by accessing your candidate profile.
Condé Nast is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.