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Scientific Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AI research scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$234K - $349K/yr

About the role AI research at WRITER isn't just about publishing papers - it's about building the scientific foundation that powers some of the most ambitious enterprise AI deployments in the world.

Medical Writer

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Since our founding in 1997, we have applied our scientific expertise in understanding the ... The Medical Writer 1 applies basic to intermediate documentation preparation and document project ...

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Showing results 1-20

Scientific Writer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$69.6K

$78.5K

How much do scientific writer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientific writer in California is $69,576.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scientific writer?

A science writer is a journalist who specializes in writing about scientific fields, with an emphasis on the emergence of research and advancements. Science writing is one of the most challenging forms of journalism because you must carefully translate scientific wording about discoveries into terms that the layman can understand while balancing conflicting views from major players in the field. Your responsibilities as a science writer are significant since it's important not to give misinformation to the masses about new research and discoveries. A science writer's day-to-day duties primarily revolve around research, interviews, and writing.

How does a scientific writer typically collaborate with researchers and subject matter experts during the manuscript preparation process?

Scientific Writers work closely with researchers and subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure technical accuracy and clarity in manuscripts, grant proposals, or regulatory documents. This collaboration often involves interviewing SMEs to clarify complex concepts, reviewing drafts together, and incorporating feedback to meet publication standards. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as writers must balance scientific rigor with readability, adhere to deadlines, and coordinate input from multiple stakeholders throughout the writing and revision process.

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

To thrive as a Scientific Writer, you need a solid background in science or a related field, excellent writing skills, and typically at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a scientific discipline. Familiarity with referencing software (like EndNote or Zotero), publication guidelines, and content management systems is often required. Outstanding attention to detail, the ability to translate complex concepts for different audiences, and strong time-management are standout soft skills. These skills ensure accurate, clear communication of scientific information, which is critical for advancing research and supporting organizational goals.

What is the difference between Scientific Writer vs Medical Writer?

AspectScientific WriterMedical Writer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science or related fieldOften requires a degree in life sciences, healthcare, or related fields; certifications like AMWA or EMWA are common
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, academia, scientific publishingPharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, regulatory agencies
Industry UsageUsed across scientific disciplines for research papers, grant proposalsFocused on clinical, regulatory, and medical communication

Scientific Writers and Medical Writers share similar backgrounds in science and often work in related environments. However, Medical Writers specialize in translating complex medical and clinical data for regulatory submissions, medical education, and healthcare audiences, whereas Scientific Writers focus more broadly on scientific research and publications.

How much money do scientific writers make?

Scientific writers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and industry. Salaries can vary based on whether they work as freelancers, in academia, or for private companies, with advanced skills in research and technical writing often commanding higher pay.

Is scientific writing a good career?

Scientific writing is a viable career that involves communicating complex research findings clearly and accurately, often requiring strong writing skills and knowledge of scientific concepts. It offers opportunities in academia, publishing, and industry, with roles that may involve editing, peer review, or content development. Job stability and growth depend on the demand for scientific communication and the ability to adapt to evolving technologies and standards.

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

The most popular types of Scientific Writer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Scientific Writer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Scientific Writer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Scientific Writer jobs in CA?

For Scientific Writer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Scientific Writer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $69,576 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Scientific Writer / Project Development Scientist

Duarte, CA • On-site

City of Hope
Hospitals • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


City Of Hope rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 898 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 lead and oversee grant writing efforts, shepherd projects from idea conception, through 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 grant and manuscript 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 HACE office grows and succeeds.  

You will be responsible for leading grant writing efforts and preparing high-quality written materials for inclusion in 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:

·         Lead grant writing efforts, including 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 project design and management. Oversee and advance the PI’s clinical research and HACE portfolio by leading operations, cross-functional collaboration, performance tracking, and strategic planning, 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 leading 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