Science Writing and Editing
Science Writing and Editing
Careers in science writing and editing can come in many forms such as science journalism, medical writing, technical writing/editing, marketing, science publication officers, and science textbook publishing. The American Medical Writing Association survey reported that the average salary for a science writer is between $58,000-100,000 per year with senior level writers potentially making $165,000 per year. Many science writers enjoy the flexibility of telecommuting and working from home. Science writers report reasonable hours and that this career is family friendly.
Some examples of desirable skills include the ability to do the following:
- Prepare required scientific or technical documents.
- Work with graphic artists to ensure manuscript accuracy
- Maintain scientific journal reference manager programs, and coordinate a variety of reports related to scientific journal requests.
- Write and edit memos, recommendation letters, and supporting documentation for personnel actions, nominations of prominent researchers for membership in professional societies, or other mission related activities, and prepare necessary materials and correspondence.
- Take meeting notes as needed at scientific and collaborative meetings (e.g., discussions with partners/contractors). Assist in preparation of technical meeting summaries.
- Assist in creating scientific summaries and updates for internal and external use.
- Maintain and develop sources of information to gather data, and transmit findings in areas of biomedical science.
- Design and create documents, using desktop publishing software and office tools
- Be self motivated
What background is necessary: PhD and another degree?
“Is specialized training in science writing required to be successful in the field? Some of the country’s top science writers have no training in journalism and would probably answer “no.” Yet, even if a science writing degree isn’t absolutely necessary for a science writing career, it does make entering the field a whole lot easier.” –Robin Arnette, PhD and science writer at NIEHS.
For an archived copy of the complete article by Dr. Arnette click here.
Here are some ideas for building your writing skills during graduate school:
- Volunteer to write press releases for the university
- Write for UNC’s Endeavors magazine or the UNC-SOM Vital Signs weekly newsletter
- Seek advice from science writers and editors
- Network and do informational interviews
- Attend career fairs
- For editors: Obtain a Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS) Certification
- Join the Science Writing and Communication Club (SWAC) and attend SWAC events with professionals in the field
- Write blogposts for the SWAC, published in the Pipettepen or the TIBBS Bioscience Blog
More resources for science writing:
American Medical Writers Association
National Association of Science Writing
The Council for Advancement of Science Writing
Biotechnology Jobs in North Carolina
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