Senior Editor
About the role
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Science magazine are seeking a full-time Senior Editor for the Commentary section. The ideal candidate will handle primarily Perspectives in biology, with a broad knowledge of neuroscience desirable but essential. The position involves editing and publishing weekly Perspectives, handling the peer-review process for stand-alone Perspectives, managing Expert Voices columns, and collaborating with the Visuals and Media teams to create engaging content.
Responsibilities
- Invite, edit, and publish Perspectives every week in Science
- Handle peer-review of “stand alone” Perspectives
- Manage Expert Voices columns and potentially other opinion pieces
- Work with social and multimedia teams for communicating scientific concepts
- Network with the scientific community through meetings and professional contacts to identify topics and authors for Perspectives
- Contribute to other parts of the magazine including special issues and “In Other Journals”
Requirements
- A PhD and postdoctoral research experience in a relevant field
- At least five years of experience as a commissioning editor with proven ability to meet deadlines, commission commentary, and edit text to achieve accessibility to a broad audience
- Familiarity and ease with publishing and editing software (MS Office, Adobe Professional)
- Comprehensive knowledge of scientific research methods to discuss technical issues with authors
- Excellent outreach skills to identify and select the best authors for the journal
- Exceptional written, communication, and listening skills to communicate with authors and members of the editorial and production teams
- Time management: A proven ability to work efficiently to meet competing deadlines
- Exceptional editing skills to ensure efficient and high-quality standards of writing
- Knowledge of best practices in commissioning and peer review to ensure fairness, diversity, and ethical handling of manuscripts
- Adequate knowledge of scientific research methods to discuss technical issues with authors
Qualifications
- Minimum of five years of experience as a commissioning editor
- Proven ability to meet deadlines and edit text to achieve accessibility to a broad audience
- Familiarity with publishing and editing software (MS Office, Adobe Professional)
- Comprehensive knowledge of scientific research methods to discuss technical issues with authors
- Excellent outreach skills to identify and select the best authors for the journal
- Exceptional written, communication, and listening skills to communicate with authors and members of the editorial and production teams
- Time management: A proven ability to work efficiently to meet competing deadlines
- Exceptional editing skills to ensure efficient and high-quality standards of writing
- Knowledge of best practices in commissioning and peer review to ensure fairness, diversity, and ethical handling of manuscripts
- Experience with scientific research methods to discuss technical issues with authors
Skills
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Outreach and networking abilities
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Technical understanding of scientific research methods
Benefits
- Paid vacation leave
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Health insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retail benefits
- Short- and long-term disability
Pay
The anticipated initial rate of compensation for this position is $95,000 – $100,000 per year (for candidates hired in the US).
Schedule
Remote work is possible. If you are not located in or able to work from a location where AAAS has a business presence, you may not be eligible for this position. Please contact our Talent Team at jobs@aaas.org with any questions regarding your eligibility.
Application Process
Submit a resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position by August 10, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A Recruiter will contact you with next steps if you are selected for an interview.
Contact Information
A Recruiter will contact you with next steps if you are selected for an interview. For more information, please contact our Talent Team at jobs@aaas.org.