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Scientific Writing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Science Writer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

Develop scientific and technical materials regarding research programs and activities as well as ... Minimum four (4) years of writing experience. * Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Science Writer

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$85K - $141K/yr

Develop scientific and technical materials regarding research programs and activities as well as ... Minimum four (4) years of writing experience. * Excellent oral and written communication skills.

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 ...

Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences, medicine, or related field] * 6-8 years of experience in medical or scientific writing (preferably in medical devices or pharma) * Hands-on experience ...

Performs scientific writing (e.g. abstracts, manuscripts, presentations). Organizes and incorporates information for documents, such as references, graphics, tables, and data listings. Ensures ...

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Scientific Writing information

See salary details

$11K

$70.5K

$79.5K

How much do scientific writing jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Scientific Writing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,499 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Science Writer

Guidehouse

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Guidehouse rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Family:
Technical Documentation & Writers
Travel Required:
None
Clearance Required:
Ability to Obtain Public Trust
We are seeking a Science Writer to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by developing scientific, technical, and policy documentation. The role involves translating complex research into clear, audience-appropriate materials and supporting recommendation memoranda, briefing documents, and Title 42 personnel actions in collaboration with scientific and administrative leadership. This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity in Bethesda, MD.
What You Will Do:
  • Provide support based on an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, write, and edit recommendation memos and other justification documents for scientific positions.
  • Produce work products articulate, interpret, and explain complex research findings using plain language. The products are typically intended for viewing by general audiences, both scientific and administrative.
  • Assist and collaborate with NIH scientific and administrative leadership on policy interpretation and implementation.
  • Provide work products and documents related to providing recommendations guidance on Title 42 and policies, procedures, and requirements at meetings with senior level and program level managers, and via telephone and email.
  • Provide coverage of case work for Case Development Specialists as needed, such as supporting personnel packages.
  • Prepare a wide variety of briefing materials and complex scientific summaries on a broad range of diseases and research areas.
  • Develop specialized materials such as reports and memos covering highly complex subject matter areas for various purposes and audiences.
  • Provide advice and conduct reviews for accuracy of multiple materials prepared by other division staff.
  • Develop scientific and technical materials regarding research programs and activities as well as scientific accomplishments.
  • Provide support to committee management teams as needed.
  • Perform business analysis of personnel action tracking tools and determine next steps.
  • Identify tools/software to improve operations.
  • Draft and review award nominations and related documents.
  • Draft and review salary benchmarks in support of T42, T38 and SBRS appointments, conversions, and pay adjustments and related documents.
  • Review Livelink workflows to provide quality assurance for appointments, conversions, and pay adjustments.
  • Perform additional project work or duties at the request of task leader.
  • Complete training required by NIH.
  • This position is eligible for onsite, telework, or local remote status within commuting distance of either of the two duty locations with approval from the task leader.

What You Will Need:
  • Master's Degree or higher in a biomedical research field.
  • Minimum four (4) years of writing experience.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Experience with developing policies and guidelines pertaining.
  • Understanding of various pay models is a plus (T42, T5, T38).
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD "public trust"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their public trust prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred

What Would Be Nice To Have:
  • PhD preferred
  • Experience working at the NIH

The annual salary range for this position is $85,000.00-$141,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
  • Care.com annual membership
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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