Towson University English Department http://www.towson.edu/english/
Careers for Wordsmiths: The Scientific Writer vs. The Technical Writer Deciding between Two Great Careers
Prepared by
Carla Morris Master’s in Professional Writing Program Fall 2005
Introduction So you want to be a technical writer? Or does scientific writing sound interesting? Maybe you just don’t know. You have an undergraduate degree with writing in the title and a knack for information design. You would rather be completing a creative writing project but you also need to be able to pay the rent. This career guide will help you decide which of these similar career paths is right for you. It was designed to inform professional writing students, current writing professionals, and human resource services about these two specialties in the professional writing field. Above all this guide will:
Answer questions and provide references about careers in technical writing and in scientific writing. Help you compare these similar careers and start preparing yourself for one or the other.
Either/Or: Jobs Await The U.S. Department of Labor reports that opportunities for technical and scientific writers will greatly increase. Continuous expansion in both science and technology information create a growing need for those with the skills to aid in the documentation processes required by efficient information management in business, industry, and government. In addition, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Developments and discoveries in the law, science and technology generate demand for people to interpret technical information for a more general audience” (www.bls.gov).
The Scientific Writer vs. The Technical Writer Contents Introduction.......................................................................................................... 2 The Scientific Writer vs. The Technical Writer.................................................. 2 Job Definitions and Descriptions ....................................................................... 3 Job Tasks .......................................................................................................... 4 Traits/Skills .......................................................................................................... 8 Education/Qualifications..................................................................................... 9 Potential Colleagues/Work Conditions............................................................ 10 Salaries/Benefits ............................................................................................... 11 Insiders’ Views .................................................................................................. 11 For More Information........................................................................................ 13 References........................................................................................................ 13
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Job Definitions and Descriptions The Scientific Writer The scientific writer collaborates with a team of scientific specialists to develop and manage a variety of documents and documentation procedures. These may include standard operating procedures, investigative reports, brochures, speeches, manuscripts of research articles, instruction manuals, and laboratory protocols. Scientific writers observe and/or complete research in order to compose and edit these scientific materials. Most scientific writers must be able to translate medical terms into plain English to make information understandable for a given public. The Technical Writer The technical writer explains technical subject matter in simple, direct language that non-specialists can easily understand. Technical writers must have a profound gift for translating technical jargon with accuracy, They are often responsible for composing web-pages, training materials, product instructions, project proposals, promotional packages, on-line help systems, and other reference material. Commonalities Both scientific and technical writers may translate technical language for a general public. They must both be able to concisely manipulate the English language. They must be able to research information, observe practices, and recall and test procedures to create documentation. They must also assess and align audience and purpose to produce an effective document. Both writers may be asked to select graphics and design document layouts. The following table describes some common types of scientific and technical writing jobs—and jobs that can apply to each specialty. The Scientific Writer
The Technical Writer
Medical Writer-Serve as a liaison between medical personnel and the general public, Some Editing and Proofreading
*Communications Specialist-Media specialists draft press releases and contact people in the media who might print or broadcast their material.
Journalist-Compose abstracts, write articles or maintain a column about scientific topics
Publications Specialist- Prepare document and design layout of material for publication
Lab-Tech Writers-Prepare SOP’s, manuals, policies and procedures, calibration methods, and lab reports
Web Editor- Create and edit Web pages for the Internet and intranets
Health Writer- Produce regulatory
*Proposal Writer-Develops resources, researches funding sources, and writes proposals to a variety of organizations.
documents, clinical study protocols, investigative drug brochures and other materials
* This type of job may apply to both career fields.
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Job Tasks Many of the tasks assigned to technical and scientific writers are similar. In both cases, these professionals develop the documentation process for various projects. Projects in both professions may include working with a team of people to give input with regard to layout design and the implementation of usable charts, graphs and graphics. Both of these professional writers have the ultimate task of translating technical terms into documents that ordinary people can understand. Each writer will also complete responsibilities that are specific to their field. Although these tasks can be learned on the job, many employers expect prospective employees to possess familiarity with the tools and techniques required to complete specific tasks. General tasks for each career are portrayed in the Venn-Diagram below. The differences in each field suggest the importance for narrowing a concentration and completing many field specific courses. Suggested courses are discussed below in the Education/Qualifications section.
Technical Writer Assist with the Development of:
Both Assistance with development of:
On-line help
Marketing tools
Training Materials
System Support
Project Management Conduct Usability Tests Audit Documentation Business Requirements
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Scientif ic Writer Assist with the development of:
Layout Design
Abstracts
Document Development
SOP
Team Building
Lecture transcripts
Written and Verbal Communication
Grant Proposals
Fact Checking
Research
Indexing
Reference Checking
Project Design
Inner Office Documentation Presentation Development
Documents for Publication
Traits/Skills Traits The desired traits for any professional writer are generally the same but may vary slightly depending upon the actual work environment. Employers suggest that the prospective employee be motivated, innovative, creative, resourceful, detail oriented, social, adaptable and extremely organized. Both writers may be asked to take on more than one project at a time. Therefore, they must have a consistent and effective organizational method. They will have to be able to make informed decisions and exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills. It is vital that the writer be a team player with ability to work well within a multidisciplinary group. Skills Listed below are career specific skills that employees expect of a qualified applicant in each field. You may not have all of the following skills, but the more you have, the further you set yourself apart from other applicants.
Scientific Writer Knowledge of IT tools (editing, graphics, layout, etc.) Knowledge of American Medical Association (AMA) publication style Ability to work with statistical reports and data sheets Ability to work with templates or form design Some knowledge of scientific documentation formatting (Abstracts, Lecture Transcripts, Clinical Reports, Grant Proposals, Equipment Manuals, etc.)
Technical Writer Knowledge of document editing tools such as MS Office software, Macromedia Web Tools (Dreamweaver, PhotoShop, RoboHelp, and/or Flash) Experience with common API (Application Program Interface) practices Experience with web-design or web-development (HTML or PDF) Experience with desktop publishing Knowledge of format conversion requirements and processes Some knowledge of technical documentation formats (Online documentation, hardware/software manuals, consumer product manuals, etc.) Knowledge of how to find information and identify essential information
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Education/Qualifications When employers announce a job opening for a scientific or technical writer, an applicant with a college degree is almost always preferred over an applicant without one. However, a professional writing student may assume that they have all the education needed. This assumption would not be a correct one to make. A professional writing degree may enable you to plan, write and edit documentation with efficiency. You may even be able to convert technical descriptions into userfriendly language and formatting. Great. But what will set a candidate apart from the others interviewing for a job is in the field specific education or experience. Along with a degree in Professional Writing, Mass Communications or another related field, some companies will suggest an additional degree or up to three years experience in life sciences or information technology. Below are suggestions for courses specific to students interested in technical or scientific writing. These courses will provide a direct insight into the field you will be writing about and create a more level playing field with your future colleagues. Universities such as Towson will often offer classes for non-major students. These courses will give a broad overview of the course topic with no necessary prerequisites. The following courses can be taken with the standard course requirements for a Professional Writing Concentration. Some of the suggested classes may benefit both the scientific writer and the technical writer. (The course numbers provided are in reference to the masters program at Towson State University and may differ in course descriptions at other universities.) Courses for the Scientific Writer Note: The life science courses will be specific to the specialized area you wish to work in. Pharmacology (PAST-609) Ecology (ENVS-604)
Science and its Public Audience (PRWR 731)
Anatomy/Physiology
Technical and Scientific Writing (PRWR 623)
Chemistry
Community Health (HLTH 615)
Concepts for Environmental Engineers (Non-Engineers)
Introduction to Medical Writing (new PRWR course)
Courses for the Technical Writer Interpersonal Relations and Group Dynamics (EDU 744)
Designng Content for the Web (PRWR 628)
Team Building (HRD 644)
Training and Development (HRD 627)
Applied Research for Information Design (PRWR 655)
Creating Online Help (PRWR 637)
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Continuous Learning Opportunities Both careers — science writing and technical writing — will require you to stay abreast of the latest information in your field. Thus, you will probably be attending workshops, conferences, and courses every year. This training will certainly benefit both you and the company you work for. Most often, these professional development activities will be at no expense to you.
Potential Colleagues/Work Conditions As you would imagine, the co-workers and work conditions may differ greatly for both technical and scientific writers. While a scientific writer may work in a pharmaceutical laboratory complete with white coats, test tubes and chemists for colleagues, the technical writer may work with engineers, computer software developers, and marketing teams. Depending upon your chosen area of expertise, you may be working with lawyers, bankers, human resource professionals, or financial analysts in settings where no science is involved. Would you rather work one-on-one with a medical professional or in a larger corporation interacting with several teams and departments? Do human issues interest you or would you rather learn the latest advances in technology? In choosing between a career in scientific or technical writing, you should consider your personality and preferences with regard to potential colleagues, tasks and work conditions. Some important questions to consider are addressed below. Scientific Writer
Technical Writer
Both Jobs
Be willing to work closely with hazardous material or pre-tested matter
Be able to learn new technology at quick pace
Be able to accept work routines that can become monotonous but always require diligence and attention to detail
Have a concern with animal testing or other moral issues that arise with scientific developments
Ask specialists probing questions to clarify their ideas — while retaining respect and good will
Be able to work with several professionals from multidisciplinary groups.
Accept that employment will often depend on the availability of grants and funding
Be willing to work with engineers, computer programmers, software developers, or research analysts
Translate notes and make sense of technical jargon
Be able to work in a highsecurity environment
Find job fulfillment in technology development
Be willing and able to work at a computer for extended periods every work day
Be willing to work with chemists or other medical professionals
Make a way in a field that is still newly developing and still defining itself
Work under the pressures of FDA regulations, company guidelines and/or federal government requirements
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Salaries/Benefits Because one’s work as a technical or scientific writer will vary, the salary and benefits will also vary over a considerable range. However, most companies that employ these writers offer competitive salaries and benefit packages. Salary and benefits will also vary depending on the size of the company. Higher levels of education and experience will greatly increase the salary a technical or scientific writer can expect to earn. According to reports and surveys taken by salary analysts in 2005, the entry level technical writer in the Baltimore area averaged $37,900-$46, 882. The entry level medical writer averaged $42,729$57,059. It is important to note that medical writers at the senior level often require a PhD. in a related field of science. The same reference did not offer data with regards to the exact title of scientific writer. This is perhaps due to the similarity in career descriptions to that of the medical writers. Assuming that the medical writer is the substituted term for a scientific writer, the following chart depicts a comparison between salary rates of technical and scientific writers. The information provided is based on surveys taken in 2005. Experience
The Medical (Scientific ) Writer
The Technical Writer
Level I
51,386
42,416
Level II
60,978
52,158
Level III
71,202
63,156
Senior
Information not available
71,778+
Data fromy Salary.com
Insiders’ Views To get an insider’s view of the differences in job details, a scientific writer and a technical writer were interviewed. Both women had been professional writers for 5 years or more and gave insights into their careers. While the interviews only highlighted some of the differences in the two fields, it was understood from the interviews that both women love the work that they do, were very willing to share their experiences, and would highly recommend a professional writing career. A Scientific Writer Degree: College: Employer: Duties:
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BA Professional Writing Elon, N.C Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Delaware Writing Abstracts, SOP’s for new equipment, Develop Calibration Methods, and Produce Manuals
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Job Likes: Flexible hours, the humane aspect of pharmaceutical advancements, and the fact that it’s writing without the pressures to be creative. Job Dislikes: Working with chemists, having to adjust to various versions of quirky shorthand, and teaching editing marks to non-writers Memorable Project: I can remember working with my partner (a chemist) on the Accolate drug. There was a problem. We worked on the development for months and could not determine why it would not dissolve properly. I can remember having to meet the deadline to make the presentation to the rest of the department and we weren’t going to make it. I got a call to get to the lab days before our deadline. My partner found the problem and I had to get the reports together with so little time. But, we made it. It (the drug) had to go through more testing but it’s a good feeling knowing that you had even a little to do with such advancement. Most Useful Skills: Great attention to detail and a sound knowledge of English Drawbacks: No science background Helpful Resources: Pharmaceutical Conferences, the Harbrace College Handbook and the internet Advice: Take related science classes. It will definitely help. Learn all you can as quickly as possible. And despite how intimidating the other professionals can be, ask all the questions before the job is due. It will save everyone a lot of time. A Technical Writer Degree: MA Professional Writing, Technical Writing Concentration College: Towson State University Employer: Objects Forge, Software Consulting Firm Duties: Software Documentation, Design Documentation, Editing Job Likes: Always an opportunity to learn, to stay abreast of the constant technology advancements. Job Dislikes: “You have to fight for what you need as the only tech writer in a firm. No one else knows your job so their not always considerate.” Memorable Project: The biggest was a sub-contract for CACI-The department of Veteran Affairs. It took our entire office to finish the project. We had to customize software that would handle the data analysis for one of their departments. I handled a lot of the research. Most Useful Skills: I took courses in information systems and I love computers. Drawbacks: Because I am always writing at work, I try so hard to stay away from even simple writing tasks at home. I don’t even like to e-mail if it’s not work related. Helpful Resources: Colleagues and people in the same line of work. Advice: In this line of work you must learn to network. Often with small companies you are responsible for bringing in your own clients. Everyone pitches in and in a competitive business like tech, it’s who you know. Join STC. It’s great for the networking opportunities and salary summaries.
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For More Information The following sources provide useful information on the careers described in this guide. Scientific Writers American Medical Writers Association www.amwa.org Board of Editors in the Life Sciences www.bels.org National Association of Medical Communicators www.ibiblio.org National Association of Science Writers www.nasw.org The Councils of Science Editors www.councilscienceeditors.org Health & Science Communications Association, www.hesca.org Technical Writers Association of Teachers of Technical Writing, www.attw.org International Council for Technical Communication (INTECOM), www.intecom.org National Writers Union, www.nwu.org Society for Technical Communication www.stc.org
References California Employment Development Department. “Technical Writers.” 2005.State of California. http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/Techwrtr.htm Glaxo Smith Kline Biologicals, Rixensart Belgium.”Scientific Writers.” 2003. www.gsk-bio.cmo/webapp/HR/HR_Ecriv_Scient.jsp Oregon Pacific Area Health Education Centers. ”Scientific and Medical Writers.” 2004. http://www.oregonhealthcareers.org/career.phtml?careerID=24 Salary.com. “Technical Writers”, “Scientific Writers”.2005. http://swz.salary.com Society for Technical Communication. “Jobs." 2005. http://www.stc.org/interestedtc.asp US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Technical Writers”, “Medical Writers”. October 2005. http://www.bls.gov.html Writer’s Market. “Computer, Scientific and Technical.” 2005. http://www.writersmarket.com/content.howmuch5,asp Writing Smart. North Sky.Inc.”Scientific Writing.” 2005. http://www.writing-smart.com/scientific-writing.html
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