Associate or Senior Editor (optical physics)

Title: Associate or Senior Editor (optical physics)

Organisation: Nature Portfolio Open Access journal

Location: Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, New Delhi or Pune – hybrid working model

Closing date: 31st Aug, 2026

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

Do you love science but feel that a career at the bench isn’t enough to sate your desire to learn more about the natural world? Do you enjoy reading papers outside your chosen area of research? If the answer is ‘yes’ to any or all of these questions, you could be the person we’re looking for to join the editorial team of Nature Portfolio Open Access journal covering the area of optics and photonics.

We’re seeking an editor with a critical eye, a deep understanding of their subject and interests beyond, and who can think on their feet. We are looking for a candidate with experience in optics research. A large part of the role will be working alongside the journal’s Editorial Board.

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 - Manuscript Assessment, Publishing Workflows & Systems, Decision Quality.
• Making well-reasoned editorial decisions on submitted manuscripts in the light of expert advice - Critical Scientific Evaluation, Scientific Comprehension.
• 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.
• Engaging with our external editorial board- guiding and assisting external editors with the tasks listed above, as well as recruitment and training of new board members – Collaboration, Communicates Effectively.
• Attending conferences and visiting research institutions.
• Commission and edit Reviews and write Editorials - Scientific & Academic Writing.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a field related to optical physics. This could include but is not limited to imaging, sensing, optical communication, and optical computing; knowledge and experience in integrated optics would be an advantage.
• Additional research experience is valuable but not necessary.
• A thorough understanding of recent trends and developments in the field 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.
• 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.

To Apply, please upload the required materials (below) to your application:

• A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the role, relevant experience, preferred office location, salary expectations and current notice period. 
• A CV detailing your education, employment history, list of published scientific papers, and any achievements demonstrating your suitability for the position.

This role can be located in our Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, New Delhi, and Pune office. 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.

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:

1-09-2026