Associate or Senior Editor (Optics/Photonics), Nature Communications

To help build on the success of Nature Communications, we are seeking a scientist with a strong background in optical physics and photonics. The Associate or Senior Editor will possess a critical eye, deep subject understanding, and broad scientific interests. This role is ideal for researchers who love science and desire to learn more about the natural world beyond the bench, enjoying papers outside their chosen area. The position is full-time, permanent, and offers a hybrid working pattern in Beijing, Madrid, Nanjing, Milan, or Shanghai.

Must Have

• PhD or equivalent in optics and photonics (e.g., topological metamaterials, non-linear optics, nanophotonics).
• Passion for science and continuous learning, with broad interest in fundamental and applied optics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Ability to assess novelty, context, and implications of research submitted to the journal.
• Eagerness to travel and engage with scientists worldwide.

Good to Have

• Some post-doctoral research experience.
• Editorial experience (full training provided).

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature.

About The Brand

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Nature Portfolio is home to the leading, international weekly journal of science, Nature – founded in 1869. It is also home to the Nature research and Nature Reviews journals, the leading open access multidisciplinary journal Nature Communications, and open access journals including Scientific Reports. Together, these journals publish some of the world's most significant scientific discoveries.

Online, nature.com provides over nine million unique visitors per month with content, including news and comment from the Nature journal, and the leading scientific jobs board, Nature Careers. As part of Springer Nature, Nature Portfolio also offers a range of researcher services, including online and in-person training. For more information, please visit nature.com and follow @NaturePortfolio.

About the Role

To help us to build on the success of Nature Communications, we’re seeking a scientist with a strong background in optical physics and photonics. With a critical eye and a deep understanding of their subject and interests beyond, the Associate or Senior Editor will be able to think on their feet.

The Associate or Senior Editor role at Nature Communications is ideal for researchers who love science but feel that a career at the bench isn’t enough to sate your desire to learn more about the natural world and for those who enjoy reading papers outside their chosen area of research.

The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis and can be based in our Beijing, Madrid, Nanjing or Milan or Shanghai offices on a hybrid working pattern.

Role responsibilities:

• 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.
• Determining the representation of their subject in the journal.
• 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:

Essential

• A PhD (or equivalent) in optics and photonics. This could include but is not limited to topological metamaterials, frequency comb, non-linear optics, optical and photonic material/structures, nanophotonics, and applied optics.
• A passion for science and a thirst to learn more. You must be able to demonstrate the breadth of your interest in scientific research, both within and beyond your speciality and across the wider field of both fundamental and applied optics and photonics ranging from energy, metrology, information technology, security, and healthcare.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be fluent in English (written and spoken).
• The ability to read and assess the novelty, context and implications of research submitted to the journal from different areas of this discipline.
• Be eager to travel and meet scientists worldwide, 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.

Desirable:

• Some post-doctoral research experience is preferred but not essential. A thorough understanding of the fundamentals of the subject is essential.
• Editorial experience is not required, as full training is given, although applicants with significant editorial experience are encouraged to apply and will potentially be considered for the Senior Editor position.

To apply, please submit:

• a CV
• a cover letter explaining your interest in the post and a concise (300-400 words) discussion of recent scientific developments in any area of optics and photonics that you found particularly exciting, stating why. Please place this at the end of cover letter.

Springer Nature promotes an inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from individuals belonging to protected categories under Italian Law 68/99.

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. 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://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/

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Job Posting End Date:

28-11-2025