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Scientific Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Houston Methodist

At Houston Methodist, the Senior Scientific Writer is responsible for functioning as the mentor for junior staff with an extensive knowledge of both medical and technical science while working with ...

Houston Methodist

At Houston Methodist, the Scientific Writer position is responsible for performing a variety of tasks including preparing laboratory and clinical studies and documents for submission to journals and ...

EssentiallySimple.net

Science Writer

$150/hr

About you: * You're an expert in some scientific domain. That doesn't necessarily mean you have a ... You can write clearly about complex topics. This means you know the Jargon of the field, but can ...

Guidehouse

Science Writer

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$85K - $141K/yr

Develop scientific and technical materials regarding research programs and activities as well as ... Excellent oral and written communication skills. * Experience with developing policies and ...

Guidehouse

Science Writer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

Develop scientific and technical materials regarding research programs and activities as well as ... Excellent oral and written communication skills. * Experience with developing policies and ...

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How much do scientific writer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientific writer in the United States is $70,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $74,000.00 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.
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Scientific Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Writer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,499 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

SCIENTIFIC TECHNICAL WRITER

RJIT Solutions

Bethesda, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Scientific Writer

National Institutes of Health / National Library of Medicine (NLM)

RJIT Solutions is an information technology and bioscience company that specializes in providing innovative solutions in biomedical research and data science. We serve healthcare organizations by leveraging the expertise of our team in science, software engineering, and program/project management. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted partner of top research organizations, including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). At RJIT Solutions, we combine the agility of a small business with the comprehensive capabilities of a large organization to accelerate research and enhance decision-making processes in healthcare and research sectors. As part of our unrelenting focus on quality and compliance, RJIT Solutions' delivery is based on Certified Matured Processes including CMMI L3 SVC, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, and ISO 9001 quality processes.

Place of Performance:  NLM, 8600 Rockville Pike, Building 38A, Bethesda, MD 20894

Position Summary and Objectives:  The National Library of Medicine (NLM) requires a Scientific Writer to support executive communications planning, reporting, presentations, engagement activities, and related communications outputs. The primary focus of this position is strategic executive communications support for NLM leadership, including the development of presentations, scripts, communications plans, briefings, NLM news items, executive-level emails, and other internal and external communications materials. The position also carries responsibility for knowledge management and the maintenance of shared communications resources that improve consistency, timeliness, and quality across NLM. The role calls for polished scientific and technical writing, strong visual and presentation skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the initiative to translate leadership priorities into effective, accessible communications products.

Technical Requirements: Scientific Technical Writer

Preparation of scientific and technical materials for publication

  • Research, write, and edit scientific and technical information in a variety of formats, including articles, blog posts, factsheets, one-pagers, brochures, presentations, speeches, workshop summaries, reports, briefing materials, press releases, and content for digital media in both online and print form.
  • Research, write, and edit technical reports of original research specifications, findings, and conclusions for submission to administrative, legislative, and regulatory review.
  • Research, write, and edit policy papers featuring recommendations based on original research findings and conclusions.
  • Prepare technical summaries of proposed, ongoing, or concluded research projects and studies for circulation among scientific elements within the government.

Literature reviews and synthesis

  • Perform reviews of scientific and technical literature to identify methodologies, findings, and conclusions of significance, and prepare summaries and reports for distribution among research and medical staff.
  • Assess proposed and ongoing programs, projects, and studies, and conduct literature reviews that inform, guide, validate, or refute findings and conclusions in support of researchers and study staff.

Knowledge management and maintenance of communications resources

  • Assist in managing content on the NLM OD wiki, including content updates, organization, maintenance, and usability improvements.
  • Develop and maintain SOPs, toolkits, templates, style aids, checklists, and other reusable resources for strategic communications across NLM.
  • Assist data managers in collecting, collating, organizing, and uploading information to advanced data repositories, and help integrate local databases with enterprise applications such as REPORTER and IMPAC II.

Executive communications, correspondence, and reports

  • Draft communications and engagement plans and supplemental materials, including executive-level emails, talking points, briefing materials, reports, directives, and NLM news items, ensuring visual outputs are effective as appropriate.
  • Draft and revise leadership correspondence for internal and external audiences, and prepare executive messaging in support of organizational priorities, initiatives, decisions, events, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Support leadership communications for NLM working groups and cross-NLM initiatives, and draft other external communications as requested by the Government.
  • Develop presentations, scripts, speaker notes, remarks, talking points, Q&A documents, briefing books, and presentation support materials for NLM leadership.
  • Prepare letters, memoranda, reports, agendas, abstracts, protocols, and announcements for internal distribution.
  • Coordinate with senior executives to outline, collect, and assemble annual reports, and assemble source materials into succinct responses to research and operational audit requests.
  • Assist program and project managers in drafting and editing scientific documentation related to research and operational projects.
  • Review and comment on the scientific and technical accuracy of reports, presentations, correspondence, and external informational materials to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Scientific and technical writing support to researchers and staff

  • Coordinate with internal NLM points of contact for externally facing communications.
  • Assist in gathering leadership priorities and translating them into actionable communications requirements.

Finalization and publication of materials

  • Provide copywriting, editing, proofreading, and graphic design for executive communications products.
  • Develop concise, visually effective presentation materials for leadership meetings, speaking engagements, town halls, lectures, and external events.
  • Assist with the development of reports and summaries that explain technical and programmatic topics for non-technical audiences.
  • Ensure presentations and digital deliverables meet Section 508 accessibility requirements, as applicable.
  • Proofread all draft and final documents for scientific and technical accuracy and completeness prior to submission for review and approval.
  • Cross-check original and referenced data, verify cited content against source documents, and perform originality reviews of all scientific and technical writing.
  • Critically review draft documents, synthesize comments, and incorporate appropriate feedback from other reviewers into successive drafts to prepare final documents.

Expert guidance and support to executives

  • Coordinate content strategy and development in consultation with NLM leadership and subject matter experts.
  • Assist the NLM liaison to NIH OCPL by preparing background materials, coordinating reviews, and facilitating internal communication flows.
  • Provide expert advice for general health and science communications activities, including content creation for health communication and outreach projects, scientific and technical publications, promotional materials, and online events.
  • Serve as senior subject matter expert for editorial operations of written content produced by researchers, medical, program, and operational staff within the Office of the Director.
  • Design and implement a publications program that enhances the development and dissemination of information about the Institute's research programs, activities, and outcomes.
  • Evaluate research and publication activities, including the collection, organization, analysis, processing, and reporting of scientific and technical information, and recommend improvements to performance and outcomes.
  • Advise executives and program managers on written materials to be developed, and present strategies for maximizing impact toward organizational and programmatic goals.

Mentoring and training of writers and staff

  • Prepare training materials and job aids for research and operational staff to support their day-to-day writing and editing and improve quality and consistency.
  • Research, repackage, and share best practices, tips, and techniques for improving the quality and consistency of scientific and technical writing.

Specific Qualifications:

  • Master's degree required in a related discipline such as Communications, Communication Technologies, a life-science or biomedical field, health and medical services, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience in executive communications, including the development of presentations, briefings, communications plans, and executive-level correspondence.
  • Strong scientific and technical writing and editing ability, with a portfolio of published or disseminated work appropriate to the level of the position.
  • Ability to work independently as a self-starter with minimal direction.

Required Software and Tools:

  • Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Presentation and graphic design tools for developing executive-level visual materials.
  • Web content management and wiki platforms, with familiarity with enterprise research information systems such as NIH REPORTER and IMPAC II.

Required Skills and Expertise:

  • Executive communications.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
  • Scientific and technical writing and editing.
  • Section 508 accessibility compliance for digital deliverables.

Other Requirements:

  • Telework may be authorized if approved by the Task Leader, COR, and the Contracting Officer.