Associate Editor - Scientific Journals

Associate Editor

Job Title: Associate Editor, Communications Biology

Location: Pune, Shanghai or Beijing - Hybrid working model  

Applications Deadline: 24th June 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 Communications journals. 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 

We have a temporary position open for an Associate Editor with research experience in relevant scientific areas in biology to join Communications Biology - a multidisciplinary open access biology journal. The journal complements our other Nature Portfolio open access titles, Nature Communications and Scientific Reports.

The Associate Editor role at Communications Biology is ideal for researchers who love science but feel that a career at the bench isn’t enough to satisfy your desire to learn more about the natural world and for those who enjoy reading papers outside their chosen area of research.

We are mainly looking for someone with a research background in Immunology but would consider strong candidates with other backgrounds in biological research. A large part of the role will involve working alongside the journal’s Editorial Board. 

This is a permanent position based in our Pune, Shanghai or Beijing offices on a hybrid working pattern.

  

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.
• Making well-reasoned editorial decisions on submitted manuscripts in the light of expert advice.
• Engaging with an external editorial board — guiding and assisting external editors with the tasks listed above, as well as recruitment and training of new board members.
• Liaising extensively with editors at other journals across Springer Nature and with experts in the international scientific community.
• Attending conferences and visiting research institutions.
• Commissioning various content including Reviews, Perspectives and Comment articles.
• Contributing to defining journal strategy and editorial policies.

 

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:   

Essential 

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant biology discipline. Someone with a research background in Immunology would be ideal but other backgrounds in biological research will be considered.
• A genuine passion for scientific communication and promoting rigor and transparency in reporting research.
• 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 the biological sciences.
• A desire to interact with 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.

Desirable: 

• Postdoctoral experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Editorial experience is not required, as full training is given, although applicants with significant editorial experience are encouraged to apply and will potentially be considered for the Senior Editor position.

 

To apply, please submit:

• a CV (including a brief account of your research and other relevant experience).
• a cover letter explaining your interest in the post

·       a summary in the “Research Highlight” format of a recent paper published in Communications Biology (see example here)

#LI-SK1

SN-Being Resilient, SN-Collaboration, SN-Communicates Effectively, SN-Critical Scientific Evaluation, SN-Decision Quality, SN-Interpersonal Awareness, SN-Manuscript Assessment, SN-Operational Excellence, SN-Publishing Workflows & Systems, SN-Scientific & Academic Writing, SN-Scientific Comprehension

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/

Internal candidates in other journal locations are also welcome to apply

Job Posting End Date:

24-06-2026

Experience Level

Mid Level