Locum Associate or Senior Editor, Communications Physics

Title: Locum Associate or Senior Editor, Communications Physics

Location: Shanghai, Beijing, Berlin, Heidelberg, or Milan - hybrid working model

Closing date: 25th September 2025

About Springer Nature

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About the Role

We are currently seeking a Locum Associate or Senior Editor with research experience in relevant scientific areas of physics to join Communications Physics – a multidisciplinary open access journal. The journal complements our other Nature Portfolio open access titles, Nature Communications and Scientific Reports .

The Associate Editor role at Communications Physics is ideal for researchers who love science but feel that a career at the bench isn’t enough to satisfy their desire to learn more about the natural world and for those who enjoy reading papers outside their chosen area of research. The current role is a temporary position with a duration of 9 months.

Our new team member will be championing the area of quantum science and technology but also promote the journal’s coverage of all fields of physics. A large part of the role will involve working alongside the journal’s Editorial Board.

To be considered for the position, you will have:

• Research experience to PhD level (or equivalent) in a discipline covered by the journal. A background in quantum science and technology will be advantageous but we will consider strong candidates with other backgrounds in physics research.
• A passion for science and a desire to learn more. You must be able to demonstrate the breadth of your interest in scientific research, both within and beyond your speciality.
• The ability to read and assess the novelty, context and implications of research submitted to the journal from different disciplines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and fluency in English (written and spoken).
• An eagerness to meet scientists worldwide, online and in person, and to learn more about them and their research, and help them learn more about us and what we are looking for in the papers we seek to publish.
• A good handle of social media platforms would be desirable.
• Be comfortable with working in a fast-paced collaborative environment – team spirit is essential.
• Demonstrate an interest to writing news-type, non-specialist features for the journal or other communication outlets.
• Editorial experience if applying for the senior editor role.

The responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Engaging with our external editorial board- guiding and assisting external editors with the tasks listed above, as well as recruitment and training of new board members.
• Liaising extensively with editors at other journals across Springer Nature and with experts in the international scientific community.
• Attending conferences and visiting research institutions.
• Commissioning various content including Reviews and Comment articles and writing Editorials.
• Contributing to journal strategy and editorial policies.

This is a time-limited position (starting as soon as possible) offered on a full-time basis and on a hybrid working pattern (minimum 2 days per week in the office). The applicant must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the desired office location.

Applicants should send a CV (including a brief account of their research and other relevant experience) and a brief cover letter explaining their interest in the post and their salary expectations.

At Springer Nature, we’re committed to creating a great working environment, which includes the benefits you receive, opportunities for you to develop your skills and ways to get to know your colleagues. Some of these include:

• Support networks that focus on fostering dialogue around diversity, community building, advice and advocacy
• Wellbeing initiatives to support in maintaining a healthy work-life balance
• 24-hour access to our learning and development platform Leap to help develop your skills

At Springer Nature, we value the diversity of our teams and work to build an inclusive culture, where people are treated fairly and can bring their differences to work and thrive. We empower our colleagues and value their diverse perspectives as we strive to attract, nurture and develop the very best talent.

We also warmly welcome applications from people with disabilities, in accordance with Italian Law 68/99.

Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here

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

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit

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