Locum Associate or Senior Editor (palaeoecology and human evolution), Nature Ecology & Evolution

Nature Ecology & Evolution is seeking a locum full-time Associate or Senior Editor with a background in palaeoecology and/or human evolution. The role involves working closely with the Chief Editor and team on all aspects of the editorial process, including manuscript assessment, peer review, commissioning and editing articles, writing for the journal, and representing it at scientific meetings. Candidates should have a broad understanding of relevant research fields and strong communication skills.

Must Have

• PhD in a relevant discipline
• Broad scientific knowledge and training
• Keen interest in science communication
• Willingness to learn new research areas
• Good literary skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent work prioritisation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Background in palaeoecology and/or human evolution
• Understanding of palaeoecology, palaeontology, palaeoanthropology, and human evolution research landscape
• Ability to assess and select manuscripts
• Experience handling peer review
• Ability to commission and edit Review and Opinion articles
• Ability to write for the journal
• Represent the journal at scientific meetings and conferences
• Collaborate with editors across Nature Portfolio journals

Good to Have

• Postdoctoral experience
• Editorial experience

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

Nature Portfolio’s high-quality journals and services across the life, physical, chemical and applied sciences help move science and society forward.

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

Nature Ecology & Evolution publishes research and opinion across the full spectrum of ecological, evolutionary and conservation biology, encompassing approaches at the molecular, organismal, population, community and ecosystem levels, as well as relevant parts of the social sciences. The journal provides a place where all researchers and policymakers interested in all aspects of life's diversity can come together to learn about the most accomplished and significant advances in the field and to discuss topical issues.

The team is seeking a locum full-time Associate or Senior Editor with a background in palaeoecology and/or human evolution. Candidates should have a broad understanding of the research landscape in palaeoecology, palaeontology, palaeoanthropology, and human evolution, and how it relates to other relevant fields of ecology, evolution and conservation biology.

Role Responsibilities:

You will work closely with the Chief Editor and a small team of friendly and supportive editors on all aspects of the editorial process, which includes:

• Manuscript assessment and selection, and handling of peer review
• Commissioning and editing of Review and Opinion articles
• Writing for the journal
• Representing the journal at scientific meetings and conferences
• Working collaboratively with editors across other Nature Portfolio journals

Experience, Skills, & Qualifications:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline (postdoctoral experience is welcomed, but not essential)
• Broad scientific knowledge and training
• A keen interest and enthusiasm for the practice and communication of science
• Willingness to learn and appreciate new areas of research
• Good literary skills
• Excellent time management and work prioritisation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Editorial experience would be beneficial, but not essential as full training will be given

The positions will be based in our Beijing, Shanghai or Madrid offices. Please state your preferred location in your application.

To apply, please send:

• A CV and a brief (one page) cover letter explaining your interest in the position and indicating salary expectations and earliest available start date. The role is available from 20th March 2026.
• Application Deadline: January 4th, 2026

The job is offered on a full-time, temporary basis for up to 12 months.

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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