Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Materials

Title: Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Materials

Organization: Nature Portfolio

Locations: Shanghai, Beijing, Milan or Pune – hybrid working model

Application Deadline: 1st November 2026

About the role

Nature Materials is seeking an Associate or Senior Editor to join the editorial team. We welcome applications from candidates with experience in any area of materials science. In particular, we are interested in candidates with backgrounds in metallic materials, inorganic materials or 2D materials. We are looking for a candidate with a critical eye, a deep understanding of their field, and broad scientific interests beyond their area of expertise.

Nature Materials (https://www.nature.com/nmat/) is a monthly multi-disciplinary journal aimed at bringing together cutting-edge research across the entire spectrum of materials science and engineering. The journal publishes original research papers on all aspects of materials science, as well as Reviews, Perspectives, News & Views and Editorial and Comment pieces on topics that are of interest to the broader community of researchers working in this area, both in academia and industry.

This is a permanent position within the Nature Portfolio. The successful candidate will report to the Chief Editor, Nature Materials, and may collaborate closely with other Nature Portfolio journals as needed. Please note that responsibilities and journal assignments may evolve over time in response to portfolio needs.

This demanding and intellectually stimulating role is in either of our Shanghai, Beijing, Milan or Pune locations.

We are open to applications from internal candidates from any of our journal editorial hubs.

The position is offered on a permanent basis and we’re looking to fill this role as soon as possible.

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.

The responsibilities include:

• Handling original research papers and working closely with editor teams on all aspects of the editorial process, including manuscript selection and overseeing peer review - Manuscript Assessment, Critical Scientific Evaluation, Decision Quality.
• Make well-reasoned editorial decisions on submitted manuscripts in the light of expert advice - Scientific Comprehension.
• Contributing to content and strategy in this area at Nature Materials and Nature Portfolio - Operational Excellence, Publishing Workflows & Systems.
• Commissioning, editing content such as Reviews, Perspectives, News & Views, Comments or writing Editorials - Scientific & Academic Writing.
• Liaise extensively with editors at other journals in the Nature family and with experts in the international scientific community - Collaboration, Communicates Effectively.
• Attending conferences and visiting research institutions.

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

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position, salary expectations, notice period and preferred office location.
• A CV detailing your education, relevant employment history and any other achievements that you feel demonstrates your suitability for the position.
• A 300-word discussion (Research Highlight style) of a recent peer-reviewed research paper in a field within the scientific scope of Nature Materials. The paper you highlight should not be from your own (or previous) research group and not published in Nature Materials; it should be on a topic that you find interesting and exciting. The Research Highlight should explain the significance and implications of the research to someone who is not a specialist in the subject.

Candidates will be considered as they apply.

For Milan, Italy positions only:

• Associate Editor: Minimum salary €41,500
• Senior Editor: Minimum salary €55,000

National Collective Labour Agreement for employees of printing, publishing, digital and related companies (Publishers’ Section) – CNEL Code G011

Springer Nature promotes an inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from individuals belonging to protected categories under Italian Law 68/99.

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:

2-11-2026

To be considered for the position, you will have:

• A PhD, or equivalent qualification, in materials science or a related topic.
• Additional research experience valuable but not needed.
• 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 specialty.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including fluent 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.
• Editorial experience is not required, although applicants with editorial experience are encouraged to apply and may be considered for Senior Editor positions.