Advice for Beginning Science Writers

This document is the record of a discussion that took place on the nasw-talk mailing list from May 10th through May 14th, 1997. It deals with several issues at the core of the science writing profession.

NASW (2006). Careers>Scientific Communication

Avenues to a Career in Scientific Communication  

Scientific communication (SC) covers science, medicine, and technology. Its documentation format ranges from research papers and regulatory-agency submissions to educational/ training materials and reference guides. This panel discussion addresses issues for those entering the area of scientific communication or wishing to enhance their skills in this area.

Armbruster, David L., Nancy E. Davis, Alice L Philbin and Jim J. Walsh. STC Proceedings (1994). Careers>Scientific Communication

Biomedical Writing

Learn about biomedical writing and biomedical writers, what they are doing at various stages of their careers, and what their interests are.

Velez, Lili Fox. Earthlink (1999). Careers>Scientific Communication>Biomedical

Biotechnology: Opportunities for Technical Communicators  

Tanrikulu describes the opportunities and professional requirements for technical communicators seeking employment in the biotechnology industry. The article includes a list of Web sites where readers can seek more information.

Tanrikulu, Marta. Intercom (2001). Careers>Scientific Communication>Biomedical

Careers in Science Writing  

There are a number of careers in which people with a science background write as a major part of their job. What may spring to mind first when you hear the term 'science writer' is a reporter covering science topics for a newspaper, but writing careers for scientists are very diverse and include not only traditional science journalism, but medical writing, technical writing/editing, marketing, and science textbook publishing (and the list is by no means complete!). There is definitely overlap among the four areas listed below.

Yahoo (1995). Careers>Scientific Communication

Certifications and Credentials for Scientific Editors  

Most professionals want to further their careers over the course of their working life. Scientific editors as a whole do not have well-defined paths for establishing their careers, unlike professionals such as lawyers and doctors, where the educational and credentialing processes are well established. Where can scientific editors get their training? Where can they get experience? This paper will explore experiences, certifications and credentials, as well as training, and degrees, specific to scientific editing that can help further the careers of scientific editors.

Firestone, Elaine R., Tony Caruso, Barbara Simmons, Earlene Hammock, Michael Ebinger and Sushil K. Oswal. STC Proceedings (2003). Careers>Certification>Editing>Scientific Communication

Essential Pharmaceutical URLs and Organizations

Systems and network engineers, developers, project managers, and technical staff have been hit hard since the technology bubble burst. Since Y2K there has been an influx of competitive workers on H1B visas who have stayed and now have green cards. Now there is also outsourcing to India, Bulgaria, Russia, Ireland, the Philippines etc.

Marie, Cecile. MetroVoice (2003). Careers>Scientific Communication>Biomedical

Looking for Work as a Scientific Communicator?

Many technical writers recently found themselves looking for work in the wake of September 11th and the dotcom meltdown.

Hart, Geoffrey J.S. Writing World (2002). Careers>Scientific Communication

Medical Writers Give Career Changers Plans of Action

Those who are interested in breaking into medical writing received the inside scoop from L. Megan Day and Dr. Susan Dakin, the panelists at the chapter meeting on January 9 at Dreyfus Auditorium at Research Triangle Institute. Day has a bachelor's degree in chemistry, a master's degree in anatomy and has written for pharmaceutical companies for 10 years. Dakin has a bachelor's degree in biology and psychology and a Ph.D. in zoology. Self-employed since 1984, her specialties are scientific writing and proposal writing.

Harvey, Rachel A. Carolina Communique (2003). Careers>Writing>Scientific Communication>Biomedical