Science Writer Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the science writer job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements individuals are usually expected to fulfill to be hired for the science writer role.

What Does A Science Writer Do?

A science writer is a professional who possess competencies in translating complex scientific concepts, research and discoveries into a clear, concise and compelling piece of writing for a non-technical audience to consume.

According to Purdue University College of Science, the science writer’s duties involve describing discoveries and commercial developments in all branches of science, as well as in engineering, environmental science, and medicine, and explaining how these discoveries affect the lives of people.

The science writer job description entails creating engaging content that serve the purpose of educating, informing, and inspiring readers across a wide range of media audiences, using blog posts, articles, press releases, and even science-oriented books.

A science writer reports to an editor, publication manager or a communications director within an organization.

Science writers are employed by media outlets, research institutions, scientific journals, corporate communication departments and even government agencies.

A science writer usually holds a Bachelor’s degree in a science-oriented field like physics, chemistry, or biology in addition to solid writing and verbal skills.

Many excellent science writers also hold advanced degrees in journalism, communication or some specific scientific field.

The National Association of Science Writers (NASW) is one valuable certification that adds credibility to your chops.

At the core of a science writer’s obligations is the capacity to turn complex scientific information to easy to grasp narratives.

To achieve such goals, one may have to do things like conducting research, interviewing subject matter experts, attending conferences or events or then creating visually compelling content that makes scientific concepts interesting and engaging.

Furthermore, they may have to create content for social media, design infographics, or media assets, give public presentation, or train other scientists in the use of media.

Science writers hold a vital place in society as they spread scientific literacy that has implication in decision making.

They help the public appreciate the role of science. Their work can inspire the next generation of scientists, influence public opinion, and even drive policy.

Employers seek applicants who bring a good mix of scientific competence, solid writing skills and exceptional ability to communicate complex concepts to a wide audience.

Keen attention to details, a curious personality and a knack for storytelling are very much valuable to employers.

Science Writer Job Example/Sample/Template

The science writer job description consists of the following tasks, duties, and responsibilities:

• Investigate and garner information on scientific topics, breakthroughs and findings to craft an accurate and compelling content
• Carry out interviews with researchers, subject matter experts and scientists to gain an in-depth grasp of their work and significance
• Translate technical information and scientific jargons into clear, concise language that a general audience can access
• Compose captivating and illuminative pieces, blog posts , press releases and other contents for different spaces – online, print and social media
• Keep abreast of current advancements in the assigned field and spot good story ideas
• Cooperate with designers, editors and multimedia experts to create aesthetically pleasing content that is easy to grasp and in line with the organization standards
• Be present at scientific conferences to gain primary perspectives and connect with key stakeholders
• Verify accuracy, review and refine own pieces as well as others for the purposes of accuracy, clarity and compliance to journalistic principles
• Cultivate and nurture a web of scholarly contacts to serve as a reliable base for future stories and projects
• Scrutinize analytics and measure user engagement to help enhance effectiveness and reach
• Formulate concepts for special reports, feature articles and other long-form content that sink into the thick of scientific discourse
• Furnish assistance and coaching to researchers and scientist within the organization so they know how to communicate their work to the general public
• Synergize with marketing and promotional teams to align scientific content with overarching corporate objectives and audience outreach strategies
• Keep up-to-date with emerging trends, ethical guidelines and best practices in science journalism and communication
• Engage in vocational growth initiative like online courses, conferences, workshop to continuously update competencies
• Abide by the stringent codes of good journalism, ensuring a commitment to accuracy, integrity, objectivity and an unbiased stance on issues
• Foster scientific literacy and promote public understanding of the significance of scientific research and advancement
• Spot and fix any potential areas of confusion or miscommunication in the public perception of scientific phenomenon
• Create entrancing narratives that make scientific discoveries relatable and humanize to readers
• Interpret empirical findings and intricate subject matter into visually pleasing infographics, videos, and other multimedia format.

Science Writer Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before as a science writer or presently working in that role and are making a new resume or CV, then you can craft an impactful Professional Experience for your resume by applying the sample science writer job description above.

You can express the duties and responsibilities you have carried out or are presently performing as a science writer in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the science writer job description example above.

This will show to the recruiter/employer that you have been successful performing the duties and responsibilities of a science writer, which can greatly boost your chances of being hired, especially if the new job that you are seeking requires someone with some science writer work experience.

Science Writer Requirements: Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge for Career Success

If you are seeking to work as a science writer, here are important requirements you might be expected to meet to be hired, which are also vital for success in your career:

• Ability to write a compelling prose that is clear and engaging with all the rules of good writing observed, like grammar, syntax, and storytelling
• Strong background in the sciences that shows a thorough grasp of scientific principles, terminology, and research methods, preferably in a specific discipline or multiple disciplines
• Possess research and investigative competencies in the areas of gathering information, conducting extensive research, and effectively interviewing experts
• Can demonstrate analytical skills including analyzing complex data, evaluating results, and can select the most captivating and applicable insights to feature in your content
• Able to switch from one writing style or format to another, depending on the target audience it is tailored for
• A germane interest and dedication for science in addition to a lifelong commitment to learning in order to keep sharp and up-to-date with industry trends and advancement
• Able to work using digital and multimedia tools to foster impact and reach
• Keen attention to details in areas like fact-checking, accuracy, and compliance to journalistic regulations and ethical guidelines
• Possess solid people skills coupled with a knack for communicating complex ideas in an easy to grasp manner
• Able to work hand in hand with others like designers, editors and subject matter experts, as well as other professionals to churn out high quality content
• Possess time management and organizational skills to coordinate multiple projects and deadlines
• Able to select unique angles and narratives that entrance readers and make scientific facts engaging
• Have a solid network of contacts within the scientific community, media platforms and other industries to enhance your work as a science writer.

Science Writer Employment

The number of science writers in employment in the United States is over 575, according to survey data on Zippia.

People who work as science writers are averagely 46 years old, with women dominating the industry with 345 employments, while men are 224.

Health care and education are among the industries that employ most science writers, with 144 and 98 employments respectively.

Science Writer Salary Information

The salary that a science writer takes home depends on the job title and the state they work.

Reports from salary.com states that $76,658 to $96,752 is what freelance science writers were paid in the US.

According to Zippia, the top States that pay the highest salaries to science writers include District of Columbia ($137,045 per annum) and Virginia ($117,340 per annum).

Conclusion

If you have a passion for science and adept in communicating complex ideas in a simple-to-understand manner for general public consumption, then a science writer career path would be rewarding for you.

By deploying your scientific competence, writing abilities and story telling skills, you can shape the public’s grasp and appreciation for the scientific breakthroughs and developments.

Whether you are a candidate looking to enter this line of work or an employer seeking to hire for this position, this guide provides an exhaustive take on the science writer job description, main duties, requirements, and salary information.

You can use the information here to draw up a detailed job description to attract talented candidates to join your team.

With a mix of knowledge, creativity, and commitment, you can impact the field of science communication.

Science Writer Resources

Here are resources you can access to help in developing and building a successful science writer career:

Professional Organizations:

Books: