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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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Yale University

Sr. Scientific Research Writer

Reporting Relationship The Senior Scientific Research Writer reports directly to the Director of the Center for Aging Well, Yale School of Nursing, and works in close collaboration with YSN faculty ...

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

The Scientific Writer for the Breast Oncology Center supports the Department of Medical Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). The Center/Division works to provide compassionate and ...

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How much do scientific writer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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 Scientific Writer is a professional who creates, edits, and prepares scientific documents such as research papers, grant proposals, review articles, and technical reports. They translate complex scientific data into clear, accurate, and accessible language for a variety of audiences, including researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and the general public. Scientific Writers often collaborate with scientists and researchers to ensure the content is accurate and meets publication or regulatory standards.

What Is a Science 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.

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.

How much money do science writers make?

Science writers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and the employer. Freelance science writers may have variable income based on project volume and rates, often ranging from $0.50 to $2.00 per word or more. Advanced skills in scientific research, editing, and familiarity with publishing tools can influence earning potential.

How can I become a scientific writer?

To become a scientific writer, you typically need a strong background in a scientific discipline, often a bachelor's degree or higher, along with excellent writing and communication skills. Gaining experience through internships, freelance projects, or contributing to scientific publications can be beneficial, and familiarity with scientific tools like reference management software and data visualization is helpful.

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 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 does a scientific writer get paid?

The average salary for a scientific writer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start around $50,000, while experienced writers with specialized knowledge can earn over $120,000. Many scientific writers work in research institutions, publishing, or biotech companies, often requiring strong writing skills and familiarity with scientific tools and standards.

What are the careers in scientific writing?

Careers in scientific writing include roles such as scientific writer, medical writer, technical writer, and research communicator. These professionals create research articles, technical documentation, regulatory submissions, and educational materials, often requiring strong writing skills, subject matter expertise, and familiarity with scientific tools and standards.
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Scientific Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Writer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,499 per year, or $33.9 per hour.
Senior Scientific Writer - Urology - Kobashi

Senior Scientific Writer - Urology - Kobashi

Houston Methodist

On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 hours ago

Houston Methodist rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 293 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 870 rated healthcare providers

Job description

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 scientific and clinical teams to concisely and clearly communicate technical medicine and science in writing, in accordance with regulations, standards and guidelines. This role must also have familiarity with scientific and clinical research and will conduct comprehensive literature searches for writing and editing abstracts, manuscripts, review articles, grant applications, clinical study protocols, investigator brochures, consent forms, presentations and progress reports for both scientific and lay audiences. FLSA STATUS
Exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • Master's Degree required
  • PhD Preferred

EXPERIENCE
  • Six years' experience in technical or scientific writing
  • Two years with grant applications preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Ability to write in a clear, concise, and accurate language that can be understood by technical and non-technical audiences
  • Ability to understand complex scientific information, theories, and practices.
  • Skilled in identifying extramural funding mechanisms for faculty and programs
  • Skilled in coordinating strategic writing projects

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Subject matter expert responsible for research, writing, and editing of technical documents.
  • Mentors and coaches other scientific writers in editing and compiling appendices of documents related to technical reports.
  • Works with departments, agencies and sponsors to ensure that specific requirements are met with respect to document content and formatting.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Independently creates technical documents (collaborating with the team) based on the strategy provided, and is accountable for the format, content, and adherence to global and electronic publishing standards of the individual submission documents that he/she is the author of.
  • Interprets data and advises faculty as how to best present data considering scientific communications best practices.
  • Works with Principal Investigator(s) to develop, present, and bring to final submission high quality, large, multi-disciplinary, and multi-collaborative grant proposals and publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Prepares moderately complex documents and sections of regulatory submissions and contributes scientific knowledge and analytical skills to the preparation of grant proposals, manuscripts, presentations, protocols, and clinical regulatory documentation.
  • Prepares technical documents that adhere to regulatory, financial, policy, and legal requirements.
  • Assures compliance with Houston Methodist policies, rules, and regulations to meet government, publisher, and sponsor standards and research development best practices.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Development of grant application budgets, industry contracts and subcontracts, and other financial documents in compliance with Houston Methodist policies and procedures.
  • Contributes to quality improvement and success of grants applications.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Finds and implements innovations in scientific writing, grant development and research development to continuously improve best practices.
  • Seeks opportunities to for continual professional development.
  • Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging students and co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: No
    • Scrubs: No
    • Business professional: Yes
    • Other (department approved): No

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* No

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

Work Shift:

1 - Day (United States of America)

Job Category:

Non-clinical Houston Methodist is one of the nation's leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center, seven community hospitals and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Houston Methodist also includes a research institute; a comprehensive residency program; international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care clinics, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities. Come lead with us!

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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