Freelance Japanese to English Translator

Job description

Cactus Communications, Inc. is a pioneer in language services, serving more than 60,000 clients across 116 countries. In line with its mission—growth through effective communication—CACTUS offers specialist academic editing, medical communications, publication support, transcription, translation, and training services to individuals and corporations across sectors such as academia, publishing, and pharmaceuticals.

We are looking for experienced translators to work on academic manuscripts written in Japanese. To qualify, you must have technical expertise in your field. Experience working in a foreign-language setting will be preferred. Essentially, your work will involve translating an academic research paper from Japanese into English.

Job Description
Your role will involve
• Reading through academic manuscripts written in Japanese and rewriting it in the target language, ensuring that the meaning of the source text is retained
• Using specialist dictionaries, thesauruses and reference books to find the closest equivalents for terminology and words used
• Using appropriate software for presentation and delivery
• Researching legal, technical and scientific phraseology to find the correct translation
• Proofreading and editing final translated versions
• Providing clients with a grammatically correct, well-expressed final version of the translated
text, usually as a word-processed document
• Using the Internet and email as research tools throughout the translation process
• Managing your time well to meet deadlines

Detailed subject-area list

• Physical sciences: Engineering (all disciplines), Robotics, Materials Science, Earth Sciences,
Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry

• Life sciences: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Plant and Animal Science

• Medicine: Anatomy, Dentistry, Orthodontics, Surgery, Medicine, Immunology, ENT

• Social sciences: Economics and Statistics (TEX editors), Psychology, Business, and Finance

Selection process
Our selection process involves a short sample exercise.

To apply
Email your updated resume along with a cover letter.

Desired profile

Here’s what you need to become a freelance translator with CACTUS

• Proficiency in Japanese and English (essential)
• An understanding and knowledge of technical terminology as expressed in Japanese as well as in
English (highly preferred)
• Expertise/An advanced degree in any of the following fields:
Chemistry, Engineering, Architecture, Physics, Optics, Environmental Science, Agricultural
Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Medical Devices, Plant & Animal
Science, Neurology, Biochemistry, Dentistry, Orthodontics, Business, Finance, Economics,
Statistics, History, Political Science, and Philosophy
• Relevant certification or training, e.g., MA in translation studies (preferred)
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in Japanese to English translation
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word
• Good time management skills (you will be required to work on deadlines)