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Scientific Writing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sralab

Senior Scientific Writer - CBM Lab

Chicago, IL · On-site

$71K - $124K/yr

Minimum 2 years of writing/editing experience in a professional or academic capacity. Experience with preparation of grant proposals and scientific journal articles and familiarity with the Chicago ...

The University of Chicago

Staff Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants. * Trains new laboratory personnel. * Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications ...

The University of Chicago

Staff Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Creates first drafts for scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants. * Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a ...

Varsity Tutors

Creative Writing Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of fiction writing craft including plot structure, character development, dialogue ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

Varsity Tutors

Creative Writing Tutor

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of fiction writing craft including plot structure, character development, dialogue ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

Varsity Tutors

Creative Writing Tutor

Buffalo Grove, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of fiction writing craft including plot structure, character development, dialogue ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

Varsity Tutors

Creative Writing Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of fiction writing craft including plot structure, character development, dialogue ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

Varsity Tutors

Creative Writing Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of fiction writing craft including plot structure, character development, dialogue ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

Varsity Tutors

Creative Writing Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of fiction writing craft including plot structure, character development, dialogue ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

Varsity Tutors

Creative Writing Tutor

Naperville, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of fiction writing craft including plot structure, character development, dialogue ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsScientific Writing JobsScientific Writing Jobs in Chicago, IL

Scientific Writing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$72.6K

$81.9K

How much do scientific writing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientific writing in Chicago, IL is $72,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $76,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

How to get a job in scientific writing?

To get a job in scientific writing, develop strong writing and communication skills, often through a degree in a scientific or related field. Building a portfolio of writing samples, gaining experience through internships or freelance projects, and familiarizing yourself with scientific publishing tools like reference managers can improve your prospects. Certifications in technical writing or scientific communication can also enhance your qualifications.

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 prospects are generally stable in academia, publishing, and industry sectors.

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 tools like reference management software. Opportunities exist in academia, industry, government agencies, and publishing houses.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Writing jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Scientific Writing jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Scientific Writing jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Scientific Writing jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Scientific Writing jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Scientific Writing jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Scientific Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Writing job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,625 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Senior Scientific Writer - CBM Lab

Chicago, IL • On-site

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers

Learn more about Shirley Ryan AbilityLabexternal

$71K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you'll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You'll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none - one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You'll play a role in something that's never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes - as we Advance Human Ability, together.
Job Description Summary
The Senior Scientific Writer is responsible for creating, writing, and editing publications including scientific manuscripts, research proposals, reports, manuals, and related materials. May manage the daily activities of the Lead Scientific Writer.
The Senior Scientific Writer will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.
The Senior Scientific Writer will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.
Job Description
The Senior Scientific Writer will:
  • Organize and write technical, web, and business material, consulting with technical teams to ensure common understanding of publications and related materials.
  • Review publications and recommend revisions or changes in grammar approach, scope, format, and dissemination.
  • Ensure compliance of communications with corporate, scientific, and IRB standards with respect to accuracy, style, terminology, scope, and format.
  • Review deliverables prepared by investigators and collaborators before releasing the information internally or to external agencies.
  • Keep project teams informed of institutional changes within SRAlab as well as changes within the federal funding structure that affect the execution of the existing projects or potential renewal of funding.
  • Consults and/or partners with institutional and outside resources (i.e. SRAlab Marketing, SRAlab Legal, outside vendors) on behalf of investigators and their collaborators.
  • May oversee the activities of the Lead Scientific Writer.
  • Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Reporting Relationships:
  • Reports directly to the Operations Manager, Center for Bionic Medicine.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in a field related to scientific writing (e.g. engineering, physics, biology, journalism, or English with successful completion of advanced high school or college math, physics, or biology courses).
  • Master's degree and editorial certification are preferred.
  • Minimum 2 years of writing/editing experience in a professional or academic capacity. Experience with preparation of grant proposals and scientific journal articles and familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style and AMA Style Manual is a preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate with physicians, other healthcare professionals, and individuals of varying positions, skill sets, and agendas.
  • Project management experience in a hospital, university or other institution associated with medical research.
  • Working knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations, guidelines, and policies covering research grant and contract accountability processes.
  • Ability to interpret federal and institutional guidelines associate medical research grants management.
  • Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and MatLab preferred.
  • Advanced organizational skills necessary to efficiently prioritize and complete a variety of tasks.

Working Conditions:
  • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Pay and Benefits*:
Pay Range:
$71,200.00 - $124,500.00
Benefits:
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits
*Benefits and benefits' eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law.
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

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