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Scientific Writer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

MJH Life Sciences

Medical Writer

Washington, DC

$85K - $100K/yr

Medical Writer At MJH Life Sciences our success is measured by your success! If you set your standards high and want to contribute to a winning team, we'll provide you with every opportunity to help ...

MJH Life Sciences

Medical Writer

Washington, DC

$85K - $100K/yr

Medical Writer At MJH Life Sciences our success is measured by your success! If you set your standards high and want to contribute to a winning team, we'll provide you with every opportunity to help ...

Stellar Science

Technical Writer (DC, NoVA)

Tysons, VA · On-site

Stellar Science is a growing scientific software development company that develops custom software ... We are seeking a talented technical writer to write and edit technical reports, technical proposals ...

Stellar Science

Technical Writer (DC, NoVA)

Tysons, VA · On-site

Stellar Science is a growing scientific software development company that develops custom software ... We are seeking a talented technical writer to write and edit technical reports, technical proposals ...

ATCC

Technical Writer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Ready to shape the future of science and global health? A global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, ATCC is hiring a Technical Writer. This onsite position ...

ATCC

Technical Writer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Overview Ready to shape the future of science and global health? A global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, ATCC is hiring a Technical Writer. This onsite ...

YO AI Labs

Medical Writer - Remote

Washington, DC · Remote

$50 - $90/hr

Medical Writer Expert Remote Location: Remote Job Type: Contractor Pay: $50-$80/hour Job Overview ... Verify scientific accuracy using source data, TFLs (Tables, Figures, and Listings), and study ...

AKOYA

Writer

Washington, DC · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Writer The Writer will support our clients at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by producing ... Experience supporting the Department of Energy, a National Laboratory, or another federal science ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsScientific Writer JobsScientific Writer Jobs in Washington

Scientific Writer information

See Washington salary details

$12.5K

$79.8K

$90K

How much do scientific writer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientific writer in Washington is $79,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $83,800.00 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.
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For Scientific Writer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Scientific Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Writer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,848 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Scientific & Technical Editor (Technical Writer/Editor II)

FedWriters, Inc.

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$56K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Overview
You are the person who reads a 40-page technical report and immediately sees both the science and the story - and knows exactly how to make the writing do justice to both. As a Scientific & Technical Editor supporting NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), you will serve as the quality and clarity backbone for OAR's external-facing written communications, working across headquarters, labs, and programs to review, copy edit, and improve technical products for plain language, scientific accuracy, and consistent tone. You will help draft and enforce OAR-wide writing and editing guidelines, train staff on best practices, and refresh aging web content to meet updated style standards. This is a role for an experienced editor who brings both the technical literacy to understand what scientists are saying and the craft to help them say it more clearly - someone who takes pride in making every document they touch smarter, sharper, and more accessible.
FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
Work Schedule and Location:
Remote:
  • This position is primarily remote with ad hoc in-person support at SSMC3, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 as needed
  • Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week, excluding federal holidays
  • Local and non-local travel may be required, including international travel; all unplanned travel must be approved in writing by the COR at least 10 calendar days in advance

Responsibilities
  • Review, copy edit, and improve existing and draft technical products, external reports, outreach products, and internal memos for plain language, technical accuracy, and consistent tone, voice, and style
  • Work with the OAR Communications Director to revise and maintain guidelines on best practices for writing and editing within OAR
  • Distribute resources and train OAR staff across headquarters, labs, and programs on best practices for writing, editing, and plain language communication
  • Research and write content for pamphlets, summary reports, and other products intended for hardcopy publication
  • Revisit and update older website content, applying newly revised style guidelines with emphasis on technical accuracy, consistency, and tone
  • Make edits and updates to websites, including changes to images and content formatting
  • Document workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with editorial products and review processes
  • Develop, writes, and edits material for reports, manuals, briefs, proposals, instruction books, and related environmental and scientific publications
  • Ensure proper cross-referencing, user-friendly presentation, and adherence to all applicable indexing and formatting guidelines across all products

Qualifications
Required:
  • BA/BS in English, Journalism, a scientific or environmental discipline, or a closely related technical field; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
  • 8+ years of professional and/or academic experience in technical writing, editing, or science communications

Desired:
  • Demonstrated experience copy editing and improving scientific or technical documents for federal agencies, research institutions, or peer-reviewed publications
  • Expert command of plain language principles, federal plain language guidelines, and science communication best practices
  • Experience developing, maintaining, and training staff on organization-wide writing and editorial style guides
  • Familiarity with web content editing, including experience making updates to CMS-based websites and applying accessibility and formatting standards
  • Strong technical literacy; ability to read and accurately represent scientific content across multiple NOAA research disciplines
  • Experience managing editorial workflows across distributed, multi-site organizations
  • May supervise a team of writers or act in a lead editorial capacity across a program or organization
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.
Why Join Our Team
At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off

Pay Range
$56,095.20 - $59,047.58

Apply