About the Role
We seek a dynamic and experienced Senior Scientific Editor who is passionate about facilitating timely and straightforward publication for scientists and bringing rich editorial experience, facilitating the publication of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary content.
We will consider applications from applicants in The Netherlands, China (Beijing and Chenzhen) and the UK (London and Oxford) on a rolling basis until 30th September 2025. To apply, please include your resume plus a cover letter describing why you are interested in this role.
Key responsibilities
1. Oversee strategic initiatives with mindset within Life Sciences portfolio, as well as interdisciplinary areas interfacing Physical Sciences;
2. Training and mentoring other team members with diverse subject expertise;
3. Assess submitted research papers for novelty and technical rigor, and ensure optimized author service; ability to assist other editors in this task promptly and in a balanced way;
4. Oversee the peer review process for direct submissions and transferred contributions, as well as mitigate complex situations with ease;
5. Forge and nurture relationships with leading researchers, external academic editors, and editorial board members across interdisciplinary life sciences space, including but not limited to biophysics, computational biology, structural biology, systems biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, and biomedical chemistry — leveraging scientific breadth and adaptability to align with evolving community priorities and journal objectives;
6. Recruit exciting research and review articles for submission to iScience in multidisciplinary fields, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research;
7. Represent the journal and Cell Press at scientific meetings and visit research institutions;
8. Work collaboratively with academic editorial board members and editors;
9. Build effective working relationships with colleagues across Cell Press and beyond.
Requirements
10. PhD in life sciences or related interdisciplinary fields (e.g., biophysics, computational biology, structural biology, systems biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, biomedical chemistry) with relevant work experience;
11. Previous editorial experience for at least 2 years is essential, with editorial acumen demonstrating the ability to switch between fundamental and interdisciplinary life science spaces;
12. Broad scientific interests, a desire to learn, and the ability to think critically about a wide range of scientific issues. As a senior scientific editor, you should be able to partake in projects of strategic journal and business importance, such as important cross-journal working (ecosystem editing experience) and audience-facing projects (such as webinars), so evidence of this is needed upon application;
13. Great interpersonal skills with an eye to author service as well as the ability to collaborate with other journals on cross-journal special issues and marketing and recruitment of papers. Collaboration and networking are core aspects of the job;
14. Strong ability to communicate clearly, as well as mentor and train others clearly;
15. Strong ability to organize, prioritize, and focus;
16. Creativity, willingness to experiment with a keen eye to data and data-based solutions, and a desire to improve;
17. The ability to work well in a team, as well as help with team-building, and develop skills in influencing a team.
Work in a way that works for you
We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organisation. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.
18. Working flexible hours - flexing the times when you work in the day to help you fit everything in and work when you are the most productive
Working for you
We know that your wellbeing and happiness are key to a long and successful career, as this role is global, benefits may vary according to your location. These are some of the benefits we are delighted to offer
19. Health care plans and benefits
20. Modern Family Benefits, including maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
21. Life assurance and accident policies
22. Comprehensive pension and retirement plans
23. Access to learning and development resources
24. Your recruiter will advise you on the benefits package for your location