Features Editor

Locum Associate / or Features Editor, Springer Nature

Fixed Term contract (Full-time, maternity leave cover)

Location(s): London, Washington, DC, or New York City – Hybrid working model

Closing date: 6th October 2024

The international science journal Nature seeks an experienced long-form journalism editor to join its team for 6 to 9 months to edit feature stories focused on biological research.

The successful candidate will work as part of a collaborative, global team of reporters and editors. You will generate a stream of original, compelling ideas for feature stories that appeal to Nature’s audience of working scientists, with a focus on biomedicine, basic biology, neuroscience, the lives of scientists, and other topics. 

You will edit copy to high standards and tight deadlines; collaborate with our art team to produce beautiful graphics and visuals for digital and print; and be adept at writing headlines and framing stories for digital readers. Although this is primarily an editing role, there is also an opportunity to report and write your own stories if time permits.

We seek an individual with substantial experience in science journalism, including editing. This position is based in our offices in London, Washington DC, or New York City.

Role Responsibilities:

• Generate and identify ideas for original, compelling Nature features that appeal to Nature’s audience of working scientists

• Write clear commissioning notes to writers; forge constructive, trusted relationships with writers both on staff and freelance

• Edit copy so it is accurate, compelling, clear and concise; Deliver copy to meet deadlines and word count limits

• Offer own expertise and judgement to guide and shape the ideas of other feature editors

• Work with art team to find compelling ways to visualize features, including choosing photographs, helping to commission illustrations and commissioning infographics

• Work with subeditors to ensure copy is accurate and clear

• Work with audience and engagement team to ensure that stories appeal to Nature readers, including finding compelling headlines that appeal to digital audiences

• Report to Chief Features Editor and work collaboratively with other features editors, Chief News and Features editor and Chief Magazine editor – as well as art and sub-editing teams

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

• Substantial experience in journalism and editing, focused on science.

• Ability to identify and generate ideas for feature stories that interest scientists. Excellent time management and organization; ability to work to deadlines and respond to breaking news as needed

• Enthusiasm for, and basic fluency in, an array of science topics and fields

• Good interpersonal skills and ease working with staff and freelance colleagues.

• Flexibility to adapt to new production processes and tools.

• Sophisticated understanding of the international research, science policy and funding landscape.

• Commitment to contribute to an inclusive, collegial work environment.

• University degree in a relevant subject and command of journalism practice and values.

Desirable            

• Newsroom experience, preferably in a fast-paced environment and/or in digital publishing.

• Command and comfort with journalistic values and best practices including libel law.

• In-depth knowledge of different fields in biology. 

Springer Nature is a Disability Confident Committed Employer, and we encourage applications from candidates with disabilities. If you consider yourself to have a disability or learning difficulty and wish to submit your application in an alternative format or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments during the application and interview process, please get in touch either by phone on +44 (0)207 014 4020 or by email [email protected] so we can make any necessary arrangements.

At Springer Nature we value the diversity of our teams. We recognize the many benefits of a diverse workforce with equitable opportunities for everyone. We strive for an inclusive workplace that empowers all our colleagues to thrive. Our search for the best talent fully encompasses and embraces these values and principles.

Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

In order to comply with various pay transparency laws and legislations in the United States, the salary range and benefits for this position are included. This information is only applicable to US-based candidates and the actual salary offer may vary based on work experience, education, skill level and equity. Salary ranges differ by country due to various local market considerations. The US salary range does not align with the salary ranges in other countries when converted to the currency of that country. 

US Annualized Base Salary Range: $74k - $115k.

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://careers.springernature.com/

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Job Posting End Date:

7-10-2024