Karl Kjer has worked in the fields of entomology, taxonomy and phylogenetics for much of his career. A noted contributor to such projects as the Trichoptera Barcode of Life Database and the 1KITE initiative, Karl Kjer possesses the considerable credentials and experience needed to be successful well into the next phase of his career, that of science editor and writer.
As Karl Kjer knows, it may often be difficult for publications and organizations to locate those with both a significant scientific sensibility and a gift for writing. It’s often challenging to find someone with not only a deep appreciation and understanding of the details, data and technical jargon of a particular scientific field, but also the ability to articulate scientific concepts, theories, research and processes into digestible, engaging content that keeps the reader captivated.
After all, scientific training, as a whole, doesn’t necessarily equate to better writing, and many writers often struggle with turning complex scientific subject matter into content that is both entertaining and informative.
For those with the seemingly rare combination of extensive scientific training and the ability to write well, the field of science writing offers ample opportunity. Though it isn’t always mandatory to have years of training and experience working in the scientific community, such background doesn’t hurt, as it helps to provide an authenticity and support to the final product that often isn’t possible without.
Upwork is a difficult platform to master. Although they present thousands of jobs per day, they take 20% of a freelancer’s fees off the top. And the freelancer must maintain a 90% success rate to field any jobs at all.
A longtime entomologist, taxonomist and academic, Karl Kjer continues to make contributions to the scientific community through freelance science writing.