Associate or Senior Editor, Communications

About The Role

Nature Communications is seeking an editor with a critical eye, deep subject understanding, and the ability to think on their feet. The role involves handling original research manuscripts, ensuring high-quality editorial services, and collaborating with authors and reviewers. The position requires expertise in political science, economics, or a closely related discipline, with a research focus on understanding individual behaviour. This is a permanent position within the Nature Portfolio, reporting to a Chief Editor.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle original research manuscripts, applying critical scientific evaluation to assess quality, novelty, and suitability for publication, while managing manuscript selection and peer review processes.
• Drive editorial excellence by delivering high-quality editorial services in accordance with journal standards, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to publication timelines.
• Collaborate closely with authors and reviewers to ensure a rigorous and transparent review process while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
• Serve as a key representative of the journal within the scientific community, engaging with researchers and industry experts to understand emerging trends, priorities, and publishing needs.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of editorial policies, peer review practices, and publishing processes to uphold scientific integrity and enhance the journal's impact and reputation.
• Build trusted partnerships with internal and external stakeholders while managing competing priorities and expectations, applying conflict management and relationship-building skills to drive alignment, resolve challenges, and ensure smooth editorial operations.
• Partner with the Chief Editor to execute the journal’s development strategy, leveraging market intelligence and a strategic mindset to identify growth opportunities, strengthen journal positioning, and support long-term objectives.
• Drive content development by proactively attracting high-quality submissions, commissioning reviews and special collections, and collaborating with the scientific community to advance impactful publishing initiatives and enhance journal influence.
• Develop compelling scientific and academic content to showcase published research, while contributing to a collaborative editorial culture by sharing expertise, supporting colleagues, and driving knowledge exchange across the Nature Portfolio editorial team.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Expertise in political science, economics, or a closely related discipline.
• Research focus on understanding individual behaviour.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Ability to read and assess the novelty, context, and implications of research from different areas within the discipline.
• Eagerness to travel and meet scientists worldwide.
• Locations: Shanghai, Pune or New York (hybrid).

Qualifications

• A PhD (or equivalent) in political science, economics, or a closely related field.
• A thorough understanding of recent trends and developments in the field is essential.
• A passion for science and a thirst to learn more.
• Ability to demonstrate breadth of interest in scientific research, both within and beyond your speciality.
• Editorial experience is not required, but significant editorial experience is encouraged and may be considered for Senior Editor positions.
• Additional research experience is valuable but not necessary.