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Scientific Writing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ladgov Corporation

Scientific Writer

San Juan, PR · On-site

Provide writing support for briefings to USDA leadership, Congress, and the public. * Collaborate with IITF scientists and communication staff to consolidate evidence, photos, and project materials.

Houston Methodist

Six years' experience in technical or scientific writing * Two years with grant applications preferred SKILLS AND ABILITIES * Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the ...

Houston Methodist

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 ...

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How much do scientific writing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientific writing 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 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, excellent written communication skills, and often an advanced degree in a scientific discipline. Familiarity with referencing software (such as EndNote or Zotero), medical databases, and journal submission systems is highly valuable. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to translate complex data into clear, concise language set outstanding scientific writers apart. These skills ensure scientific information is accurately communicated to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, supporting research dissemination and regulatory compliance.

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

Scientific writers work closely with researchers and subject matter experts to accurately interpret data, clarify complex concepts, and ensure that manuscripts adhere to journal guidelines. This collaboration often involves regular meetings to discuss drafts, iterative editing, and fact-checking to maintain scientific integrity. Building strong communication skills and adaptability is essential, as writers must bridge the gap between scientific rigor and clear, accessible language for the intended audience.

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 papers, grant proposals, regulatory documents, and educational materials, often requiring strong writing skills, subject matter expertise, and familiarity with scientific tools and standards.

What is scientific writing?

Scientific writing is a specialized form of writing used to communicate scientific information, research findings, and technical data clearly and accurately. It is commonly used in peer-reviewed journals, research papers, grant proposals, and laboratory reports. Scientific writing emphasizes clarity, precision, and objectivity, allowing other scientists to understand, replicate, and build upon the work. It typically follows a structured format, such as IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion), and uses formal language and citation standards.

How to get a job in scientific writing?

To get a job in scientific writing, develop strong writing and research skills, often through a degree in a scientific or related field. Building a portfolio of writing samples and gaining experience with scientific journals, research papers, or technical documentation can improve employability. Familiarity with tools like reference management software and understanding of scientific publishing processes are also beneficial.

Is scientific writing a good career?

Scientific writing is a viable career that involves creating clear, accurate, and well-structured research documents, articles, and reports. It requires strong writing skills, knowledge of scientific concepts, and often familiarity with tools like reference management software; job opportunities exist in academia, publishing, and industry. The field offers opportunities for specialization and remote work but typically requires relevant education and experience.

What is the difference between Scientific Writing vs Scientific Editing?

AspectScientific WritingScientific Editing
Primary FocusCreating original scientific content, such as research papers and reportsReviewing and improving existing scientific documents for clarity and accuracy
Skills RequiredStrong writing, research, and communication skillsAttention to detail, editing, and knowledge of scientific terminology
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, academic journals, biotech companiesPublishing houses, academic journals, research organizations
Common CertificationsScience degrees, writing certificationsEditing certifications, scientific editing training

Scientific Writing involves creating original scientific documents, while Scientific Editing focuses on refining and improving existing content. Both roles require a solid understanding of science and strong communication skills, but they serve different stages of the publication process.

More about Scientific Writing jobs
What cities are hiring for Scientific Writing jobs? Cities with the most Scientific Writing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Writing jobs? The most popular types of Scientific Writing jobs are:
What states have the most Scientific Writing jobs? States with the most job openings for Scientific Writing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Scientific Writing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Scientific Writing jobs are:
Scientific Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Writing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,499 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Director, Scientific Writing

Astrazeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Introduction to Role:

Do you have expertise in and passion for Medical Affairs in Oncology? AstraZeneca's vision in Oncology is to help patients by redefining the cancer-treatment paradigm with the bold ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We are proud to work on groundbreaking science with one of the broadest and deepest Oncology pipelines in the business! Help to advance our pipeline by applying expertise and accelerating our pathway to finding a cure.

The Centre of Oncology Data Excellence [CODE] is a team within Global Medical Evidence Generation organization that is passionate about delivoutstanding class scientifically rigorous research to support the Global and US Medical Affairs (GMA). Director, Scientific Writing reports to the Head, CODE and will be leading and running a high-performing scientific writing function, overseeing a blended team of internal writers and contractors to deliver high-quality outputs across interventional trials and real-world/observational studies. The Director will be a champion of AI-augmented writing workflows and responsible for building the capability and culture to embrace these tools responsibly and effectively.
Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development of protocols, and study reports for global and US Oncology medical affairs clinical interventional studies from Phase II--IV

  • Personally author and provide oversight of scientific writing outputs (abstracts, posters, manuscripts, study reports, protocols, HTA dossier summaries) for real-world evidence and observational studies conducted by the Oncology Outcomes Research team, including database studies, registry analyses, and chart reviews

  • Lead the AI adoption roadmap for scientific writing: evaluate, pilot, and scale AI-assisted drafting, literature synthesis, and quality review tools; establish governance frameworks for responsible use; train and upskill the team; and track measurable impact on quality, speed, and capacity

  • Lead budgets, contractor relationships, and performance of internal and external scientific writers

  • Collaborate with Oncology Outcomes Research and Evidence Delivery Team (delivering interventional trials) regarding the planning and development of scientific writing deliverables

  • Represent Scientific Writing team as a member of CODE Leadership team

Essential Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in a scientific or medical field (eg PharmD, PhD, MD)

  • At least 7 years experience in scientific writing

  • Demonstrated experience in the publications field, or medical communications gained through working in the pharmaceutical industry or a medical communications agency

  • Broad understanding of drug development process.

  • Hands-on proficiency with AI writing tools (e.g. Claude, Copilot, Gemini) and demonstrated ability to critically evaluate outputs for scientific accuracy, regulatory alignment, and compliance with GPP/ICMJE standards; understanding of where AI can and cannot be applied in regulated medical writing contexts.

  • Demonstrated performance, budget, and resource management skills in a global organization

  • Be independent, organized, and able to act as a leader in a fast-paced environment

  • Ensure strict adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards in all publications

  • Flexibility and adaptability to lead long-term activities in a constantly changing internal and external environment

Desirable

  • Therapeutic knowledge in oncology

  • Knowledge of publication management systems

  • Certification as a Medical Publication Professional (CMPP) desired

  • Validated experience crafting and scaling AI-enabled workflows (e.g. ptimelylibraries, automated literature review, structured output templates), with measurable impact on timelines, throughput, or quality; comfort operating in a regulatory environment where AI use must be disclosed, validated, and defensible.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of four days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $164,981 to $210,651. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our mission to bring life-saving medicines to patients worldwide. Our commitment to decreasing global mortality rates is evident as we shape the future by identifying scientifically-led commercial opportunities. We thrive on energy and pace-thinking big while acting fast. Here you'll find top talent in the industry working together to make an impact at every step of the patient journey. With countless opportunities for growth and development alongside leading experts, AstraZeneca is where you can build a diverse career while contributing to meaningful change.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join us on this exciting journey!

Date Posted

21-Jul-2026

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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