Senior Editor

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Science Magazine has an exciting opportunity for a full time Senior Editor position (biological sciences and biomedical fields). Perspectives are a crucial part of Science magazine, providing our readers with accessible, broadly interesting, and authoritative updates on the most important recent scientific developments. They can be paired with papers in the journal and also be more substantial “stand alone” pieces on emerging topics that are peer-reviewed. The Perspectives editor invites, handles, and edits Perspectives on papers and stand alone Perspectives. They must also work with the production and art teams to develop striking display items to accompany the piece, while ensuring excellent customer service to our authors.

What You’ll Do

• Commission and edit Perspectives on papers in Science and stand alone Perspectives. Publish at least 2 Perspectives on papers per issue (102 per year) and at least 0.5 stand alones per issue (26 per year), totaling ~128 Perspectives per year.
• Handle Perspectives according to guidelines and best practices, ensuring stand alone Perspectives are peer-reviewed.
• Shepherd Perspectives through the production process by working closely with the Science Visuals team.
• Network with the scientific community through meetings and professional contacts and identify topics and authors for stand alone Perspectives.
• Contribute to other parts of the section and magazine, such as Expert Voices, special issues, book reviews, “In Science,” and “In Other Journals.”

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD and postdoctoral research experience in a relevant field
• At least five years of experience as a commissioning editor with proven ability to meet deadlines, commissioning commentary, and edit text to achieve accessibility to a broad audience.
• Familiarity and ease with publishing and editing software (MS Office, Adobe Professional)
• Comprehensive knowledge of scientific research methods in order to discuss technical issues with authors
• Excellent outreach skills in order to identify and select the best authors for the journal
• Exceptional written, communication, and listening skills in order to communicate with authors and members of the editorial and production teams
• Time management: A proven ability to work efficiently while under pressure and with competing deadlines.
• Exceptional editing skills to ensure efficient and high quality standards of writing
• Knowledge of best practices in commissioning and peer-review to ensure fairness, diversity, and ethical handling of manuscripts.
• Ability to make informed, fair, and consistent decisions about submitted content.

Location

We have offices in Washington, DC and Cambridge, UK. If you are not located in or able to work from a state where AAAS has a business presence, you may not be eligible for this position. Please contact our Talent Team at jobs@aaas.org with any questions regarding your eligibility.

Application Process

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position by September 17, 2024. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A Recruiter will contact you with next steps if you are selected for an interview.

The anticipated initial rate of compensation for this position is $95,000 – $100,000 per year (for candidates hired in the US). AAAS currently provides the following benefits for this position: paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, flexible spending account, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, short- and long-term disability, each subject to the terms of the applicable program. Additional benefits may apply.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of AAAS and will be based on a variety of factors, including years of experience, depth of experience, and other relevant factors. AAAS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.

AAAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category. AAAS uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Search Firm and Employment Agency Disclaimer
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Any unsolicited resumes sent to AAAS from a third party, such as an agency, including unsolicited resumes sent to an AAAS mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to AAAS employees, or to the AAAS resume database will be considered AAAS property. Verbal or written communications from any employee of AAAS shall not be considered binding obligations. AAAS Human Resources is the only AAAS representative authorized by AAAS to enter into any employment agreements with any third party. AAAS will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

#LI-Remote