Job title: Associate or Senior Editor (Materials science), Nature Communications

Locations: Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Pune or New Delhi (hybrid)

Closing date: 31st July 2026 (candidates will be considered as they apply) 

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 Communications is the leading multidisciplinary Open Access journal, publishing high-quality scientific research. To help us to build on the success of this journal, we’re seeking a scientist with a background in materials science, with focus on structural inorganic materials, who has a critical eye, a deep understanding of their subject and interests beyond, and who can think on their feet. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of advanced materials characterization techniques, and ideally have experience in the development and application of computational methods, data-driven approaches and machine learning tools for materials discovery and analysis.

The Associate/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 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 - Manuscript Assessment, Critical Scientific Evaluation, Decision Quality, Publishing Workflows & Systems, Scientific & Academic Writing.
• 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 - Collaboration, Scientific Comprehension.
• Attending conferences and visiting research institutions - Communicates Effectively.

To be considered for the position, you will have:  

• A PhD (or equivalent) in materials science or related areas, covering any aspect of the design, synthesis and characterization of structural inorganic materials. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of advanced materials characterization techniques, and experience in the development and application of computational methods, data-driven approaches and machine learning tools for materials discovery and analysis.

• Some postdoctoral research experience is preferred but not essential. A thorough understanding of the fundamentals of the subject is essential. 

• 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 biomaterials. 

• 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. 

This role can be in Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Pune, New Delhi (hybrid working available). The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis. Editorial experience is not required, although applicants with significant editorial experience are encouraged to apply and will potentially be considered for Senior Editor positions. 

Applicants should include a CV, and a cover letter explaining their interest in the post and their preferred office of employment. 

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/

#LI-EW1

Job Posting End Date:

1-08-2026