ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Scientific Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $105K/yr

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 ...

Scholastic Corporation

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site

This is a wonderful opportunity for a science-savvy writer/educator to join the world's largest ... Work with the Education Editor to align content with NGSS and state science standards and with the ...

Condé Nast

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 experienced team of reporters and editors to edit stories from multiple desks and manage syndications from ...

Artemis Arc

Copy Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

The Copy Editor supports the government client by copyediting and proofreading written products for ... Review science-focused content for clarity, consistency and suitability for broad audiences.

Artemis Arc

Copy Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

The Copy Editor supports the government client by copyediting and proofreading written products for ... Review science-focused content for clarity, consistency and suitability for broad audiences.

Scholastic

Senior Editor

New York, NY

This is a wonderful opportunity for a science-savvy writer/educator to join the world's largest ... Work with the Education Editor to align content with NGSS and state science standards and with the ...

Artemis Arc

Copy Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

The Copy Editor supports the government client by copyediting and proofreading written products for ... Review science-focused content for clarity, consistency and suitability for broad audiences.

Icon plc

Senior Clinical Editor

Blue Bell, PA

Editing and proofreading a wide range of scientific documents, including clinical study reports, regulatory submissions, publications, and presentations, ensuring adherence to quality standards and ...

ICON

Senior Clinical Editor

Blue Bell, PA · On-site +1

Editing and proofreading a wide range of scientific documents, including clinical study reports, regulatory submissions, publications, and presentations, ensuring adherence to quality standards and ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

New York, NY

$80K - $105K/yr

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 ...

Icon plc

Editing and proofreading a wide range of scientific documents, including clinical study reports, regulatory submissions, publications, and presentations, ensuring adherence to quality standards and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsScientific Editor Jobs

Scientific Editor information

See salary details

$19

$41

$55

How much do scientific editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific editor in the United States is $41.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.62 and $50.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Scientific Editor, you need a strong background in scientific research, advanced written communication skills, and typically an advanced degree (such as a Ph.D. or MSc) in a relevant field. Familiarity with manuscript submission platforms, reference management tools, and editorial standards like AMA or APA style is important. Strong attention to detail, the ability to provide constructive feedback, and effective time management are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualities ensure accuracy, clarity, and efficiency in the publication process, ultimately upholding the integrity of scientific communication.

Are editors in high demand?

Scientific editors are in moderate demand due to the ongoing need for accurate and clear communication of research findings. Opportunities are often available in academic publishing, research institutions, and scientific journals, especially for those with strong editing skills and subject matter expertise.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Scientific Editor on a daily basis?

A Scientific Editor's daily responsibilities usually include reviewing submitted manuscripts for scientific rigor, clarity, and adherence to publication guidelines, as well as coordinating peer reviews and providing feedback to authors. They may also handle correspondence with researchers, evaluate figures and data presentations, and ensure that ethical standards are met. Collaboration with other editors, production staff, and subject matter experts is common to maintain the publication's quality and timelines. This diverse workload keeps the role dynamic and intellectually stimulating, requiring both scientific expertise and editorial precision.

How do you become a Scientific Editor?

To become a scientific editor, typically a candidate needs a strong background in a scientific discipline, often demonstrated by a master's or doctoral degree. Relevant skills include excellent writing, editing, and critical thinking, along with experience in publishing or research. Many scientific editors also develop expertise in specific fields and may obtain certifications in editing or publishing.

How much do scientific editors make?

Scientific editors typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced editors or those working in specialized fields earning higher salaries. Compensation can vary based on education, experience, location, and whether they work for academic publishers, journals, or as freelancers.

What does a Scientific Editor do?

A Scientific Editor reviews, edits, and formats scientific manuscripts to ensure clarity, accuracy, and adherence to publication standards. They work with researchers and authors to refine content, improve readability, and verify data or references. Scientific Editors may also manage peer review, provide feedback, and ensure the manuscript meets journal or publisher guidelines. Their role helps enhance the quality and impact of scientific publications.

Do you need a PhD to be a scientific journal editor?

A PhD is not strictly required to become a scientific journal editor, but it is often preferred because it demonstrates expertise in a specific field. Many editors have at least a master's degree or equivalent experience in research and publishing. Strong knowledge of scientific writing, peer review processes, and editing skills are essential for the role.
More about Scientific Editor jobs
What cities are hiring for Scientific Editor jobs? Cities with the most Scientific Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Editor jobs? The most popular types of Scientific Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Scientific Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Scientific Editor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Scientific Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Scientific Editor jobs are:
Scientific Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,736 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
Science & Engineering Editor

Science & Engineering Editor

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Northwestern University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

119th of 552 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Global Marketing/Communication
Salary/Grade: EXS/7
Job Summary
The primary focus of the Office of Global Marketing and Communications (OGMC) is communicating Northwestern's academic agenda - communicating to all internal and external audiences in order to strengthen the University's identity and improve its reputation amongst our peers, potential students and the public.
The Science and Engineering Editor is responsible for promoting the research of Northwestern University physical scientists and engineers to national, global and local media and to procure coverage in top news outlets. Reporting to the Senior Science and Engineering Editor, and closely collaborating with other members of OGMC's Media Relations team, including the Managing Editor for Media Relations and the Director of Media Relations, this versatile writer/editor will pitch individual reporters on groundbreaking new research and write press releases to promote important studies that will be published in peer-reviewed journals. The ability to translate complicated research into accessible language is essential to the position. This editor also will contribute stories about trending research efforts across schools and units at Northwestern.
In addition, the writer/editor will write media advisories to promote Northwestern faculty experts who can comment on breaking news related to the science and engineering beat. This role requires the ability to communicate effectively with some of the world's top researchers and stay on top of relevant science and technology news. In addition, this person must have a strong understanding of the newsgathering process and experience working with reporters on deadline.
This position will be Hybrid schedule, 3 days per week in the office, and based in Evanston, Illinois.
*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.
*Cover letter required for consideration
Responsibilities:
Key aspects of this role include but are not limited to:
  • Serving as one of two primary media contacts for the physical and life sciences in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the McCormick School of Engineering.
  • Developing relationships with science and technology reporters and knowing their particular interests and beats. Learning the media landscape to know which outlets (print/broadcast/digital) are important to the science and engineering beat.
  • Proactively contacting reporters and pitching media outlets across local, national and global media landscapes, including tier-one media outlets.
  • Matching faculty with breaking news stories to place faculty as expert commentators in the media; connecting reporters with faculty expert sources for stories.
  • Working with scientists and engineers to translate complicated research into lay language to make it accessible to reporters and the public.
  • Ongoing and frequent outreach to physical/life science and engineering faculty to learn about upcoming research to be published.
  • Writing and sending press releases (under embargo, when possible) and media advisories about key research and other news and events from the science and engineering beat. Writing should be clear and concise, engaging readers with strong headlines and leads. Associated Press style and house style are used.
  • Using and maintaining a database (Cision) of media contacts and lists for press release distribution.
  • Working collaboratively with fellow editors in media relations within OGMC.
  • Partnering with communications team members at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the McCormick School of Engineering.
  • Working collaboratively with communications team members at the Office for Research as well as Northwestern research centers and institutes related to the science and engineering beat, such as the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics and the International Institute for Nanotechnology.
  • Posting press releases and media advisories on OGMC's internal news channels, including the Northwestern Now and For Journalists websites. Creating press kits, including multimedia, for releases posted on the For Journalists website.
  • Participating in media training of faculty, as needed.
  • Coordinating and staffing onsite broadcast shoots between science and engineering faculty and media, when necessary.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Minimum of five years of applicable experience in journalism, media relations or marketing/communications roles.
  • Undergraduate degree in journalism, public relations or a related field or equivalent experience, preferred but not required.
  • Experience writing about science, engineering or technology preferred, but not required.
  • The ability to communicate effectively with some of the world's top scientists and engineers and to stay on top of relevant local, national and global news.
  • A strong understanding of the newsgathering process and experience working with reporters on deadline.
  • Strong writing/editing, pitching and storytelling skills.
  • Extensive knowledge of print, broadcast, digital and social media.
  • Excellent news judgement.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational skills to manage and coordinate information from a diverse group of people within and outside of the University.
  • Experience editing and pitching opinion pieces to local and national media.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
  • Candidates for this position should be prepared to work after hours and on weekends as necessary to attend and cover events, complete assignments and meet deadlines.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $65,000-$75,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .

What Northwestern University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply