Chief Editor

Job Title: Chief Editor (Physical–Life Sciences Interface), Nature Communications

Locations:  London or Berlin - hybrid working model.   

Closing date: 2nd June 2024. Candidates will be considered as they apply.

Nature Research is the world’s leader in publishing high-quality research from across the natural sciences. Its journals include Nature, the Nature Research journals, the Nature Reviews journals and Nature Communications. Nature Communications is the leading multidisciplinary Open Access journal, publishing high-quality research from across the natural sciences.

About The Role

We are now looking for a Chief Editor to build and manage a team handling content at the interface of the physical and life sciences for the journal.

The Chief Editor role at Nature Communications is a demanding and intellectually stimulating position that has responsibility for determining the growth and future direction of the journal within a specific subject area. This role is located in our London or Berlin office on a hybrid working model. The position is offered on a full-time permanent basis. The successful candidate will report to the Editorial Director (Chemistry and Biotechnology), Nature Communications.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing a team of 4-8 editors; overseeing their day-to-day workload and ensuring manuscripts are handled in accordance with journal policies.
• Determining the representation of content that merges the life and physical sciences at the journal, ensuring growth in both quality and quantity.
• Working closely with other teams in related areas.
• Handling original research papers and working closely with other editors on all aspects of the editorial process, including manuscript selection and overseeing peer review.
• Making well-reasoned editorial decisions on submitted manuscripts in the light of expert advice.
• Liaising extensively with editors at other journals in the Nature family and with experts in the international scientific community.
• Attending conferences and visiting research institutions.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• Editorial experience, with demonstrated knowledge of processes and ethics in academic publishing.
• A PhD (or equivalent) in any area of life or physical science, though a knowledge of both and their areas of overlap would be particularly welcome.
• Thorough understanding of the scientific process as it pertains to STM publishing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Effective people management skills.
• Leadership and team building qualities.
• A creative approach to strategic planning and problem-solving.
• The ability to read and assess the novelty, context and implications of research submitted to the journal from different areas of these disciplines.
• Positive ability to develop long-term professional relationships with key members of the scientific community.

To Apply: Applicants should include a resume, a covering letter explaining their interest in the post and their preferred office of employment.

Springer Nature is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and we encourage applications from candidates with disabilities. If you consider yourself to have a disability or learning difficulty and wish to submit your application in an alternative format or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments during the application and interview process, please get in touch either by phone on +44 (0)207 014 4020 or by email SpringerNatureUKCareers@springernature.com so we can make any necessary arrangements.

If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.

At Springer Nature we value the diversity of our teams. We recognize the many benefits of a diverse workforce with equitable opportunities for everyone. We strive for an inclusive workplace that empowers all our colleagues to thrive. Our search for the best talent fully encompasses and embraces these values and principles. Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://careers.springernature.com/