Associate or Senior Editor, Communications Chemistry (Physical or Theoretical Chemistry)

Springernature Open · verified Sep 16, 2026

3 Locations Full-time Senior Communications

Senior Communications role at Springernature. 3 Locations · full-time.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

You'll assess research manuscripts, select papers for consideration, and coordinate peer review with other editors
You'll make editorial decisions by weighing expert feedback on submitted work
You'll guide the external editorial board and help recruit and train new members
You'll commission Reviews, Perspectives, and Comment pieces, then write Research Highlights and Editorials
You'll help shape journal strategy, editorial guidance, and publishing processes

What you bring

You hold a PhD or equivalent in physical, analytical, or theoretical chemistry, or a related chemical-sciences field
You can assess research originality, context, and significance across disciplines
You communicate clearly in written and spoken English and build effective working relationships
You show broad scientific curiosity beyond your own research specialty

Who this fits

You’ll suit a researcher who enjoys communicating science, reading beyond a specialist area, and engaging with scientists internationally. The permanent role uses a hybrid pattern from the Beijing, Madrid, or Shanghai office, with conference attendance and research-institution visits. Editorial experience is optional because training is provided, while substantial editorial experience may support consideration for the Senior Editor level.

From the employer

Job title: JR106892 Associate or Senior Editor, Communications Chemistry (Physical or Theoretical Chemistry)

Locations: Shanghai, Beijing or Madrid (hybrid)

Closing date: 27th September 2026 (candidates will be considered as they apply)

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 are currently seeking an Associate or Senior Editor with research experience in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry or theoretical chemistry to join Communications Chemistry – an open access journal publishing high-quality research, reviews and commentary in all areas of the chemical sciences (https://www.nature.com/commschem/).

If you love science, are passionate about the communication of science, and enjoy reading papers outside of your chosen area of research, you could be the person we are looking for.

The position is offered on a permanent basis and can be based in our Beijing, Madrid or Shanghai 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 - Critical Scientific Evaluation, Manuscript Assessment.
Making well-reasoned editorial decisions on submitted manuscripts in the light of expert advice - Scientific Comprehension, Decision Quality.
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 - Interpersonal Awareness, Communicates Effectively.
Liaising extensively with editors at other journals across Springer Nature and with experts in the international scientific community – Collaboration.
Attending conferences and visiting research institutions.
Commissioning various content including Reviews, Perspectives and Comment articles.
Writing content such as Research Highlights and Editorials - Scientific & Academic Writing.
Contributing to defining journal strategy, editorial policies, and publishing workflows - Operational Excellence, Publishing Workflows & Systems.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:  

Essential

A PhD (or equivalent) in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry or theoretical chemistry or a closely related area of the chemical sciences.
A passion for science and a desire to learn more. You must be able to demonstrate the breadth of your interest in scientific research, both within and beyond your specialty.
The ability to read and assess the novelty, context and implications of research submitted to our journals from different disciplines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and fluency in English (written and spoken).
A desire to meet scientists worldwide, learn more about them and their research, and help them to learn more about us and what we are looking for in the papers that we seek to publish.

Desirable:

Postdoctoral experience is an advantage, 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 document outlining: 1) Two papers recently published in Communications Chemistry in the areas of physical chemistry, analytical chemistry or theoretical chemistry that you think are particularly impactful contributions, explaining why. 2) Two papers recently published in Communications Chemistry in the areas of physical chemistry, analytical chemistry or theoretical chemistry that you think are less likely to have a broad impact, explaining why.

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/

Job Posting End Date:

28-09-2026