Writing
Job Description
Generally science writers research, write and edit scientific or technical news articles and documents. They are required to understand complex scientific or technical information and translate in a concise, articulate manner so that target audiences ranging from general public to experts in a given field can understand it. Most science writing is deadline based with hours and wages depending upon the position and whether it is salaried or freelance. For a salaried position ~40 hours per week is typical with an annual salary of $70-200K, whereas for freelance work, the hours and pay are variable.
Skills
Attention to detail
Excellent communication skills on a variety of mediums
Methodological approach to compiling information
Objective, creative and resourceful
Types of Positions
Grant writing
Science journalism
Science marketing
Mass media publishing and editing
Scientific/technical writing
Public Information officer (PIO)
Medical Communications/Education
Employers
Multi-media: television, radio, newspaper, web
Scientific journals
Biotech/pharma/medtech companies
Medical Communications companies
Colleges/Universities
Private research foundations
Science museums
Government agencies
Non-profit science organizations
First Steps
Membership: become a member of professional writing organizations to find out about positions and opportunities
Social Media: start a blog or volunteer to write for others’ blogs
Build writing portfolio: as part of the application process you will need to show writing samples, so start building a portfolio now
Twin Cities Companies
Directory of Technical Writes and Publishers in the Twin Cities: http://www.minneapolistechnicalwriter.com/
http://www.snowcommunications.com/about/
UMN Resources
UMN science writing opportunity: http://inquiry.research.umn.edu/submission-guidelines/
Courses
Department of Writing courses
WRIT 8520 Seminar in Scientific and Technical Communication
WRIT 5196 Internship in Scientific and Technical Communication
Technical Writing Certificate: http://writingstudies.umn.edu/grad/techcommcert/
External Resources
National Association of Science Writers (NASW): http://www.nasw.org/
American Medical Writers Association (AMWA): http://www.amwa.org
Society for Technical Communication (STC): http://www.stc.org/
Association of American University Presses: http://www.aaupnet.org/
Internships
AAAS Mass Media Fellowship: http://www.aaas.org/program/aaas-mass-media-science-engineering-fellows-program
The Scientist:
http://www.the-scientist.com/?home.freelance/#1
Society for Science and the Public:
https://www.societyforscience.org/science-news-internship
Courses
Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science: http://www.centerforcommunicatingscience.org/
Marine Biological Laboratories Science Jounalism: http://www.mbl.edu/sjp/