Title: Associate or Senior Editor, Communications Sustainability

Locations: Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Madrid, New Delhi or Pune (Hybrid)

Application Deadline: September 27, 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 Role:

We are currently seeking an Associate or Senior Editor with research experience in the environmental sciences applied to sustainability research to join Communications Sustainability (https://www.nature.com/commssustain/). 

Communications Sustainability is a multidisciplinary open-access journal publishing high-quality research across the natural and social sciences and engineering. We champion rigorous sustainability research that generates new insights, informs decision making, and advances solutions for people and the planet. The journal complements other Nature Portfolio titles including Nature Communications, Communications Earth & Environment, Scientific Reports, and the npj series. You will be responsible for selecting and developing manuscripts for publication and for promoting the journal’s coverage of sustainability-relevant research across the environmental sciences. 

For this role, we particularly welcome candidates with research experience in environmental sciences relevant to sustainability. Areas of interest include environmental change, environmental monitoring and assessment, pollution, resource use, climate adaptation, and research that advances understanding of environmental impacts and sustainability outcomes.

Role Responsibilities: 

• Selection of manuscripts for publication in the journal, with the appropriate editorial oversight and within the framework of its editorial policy. Critical Scientific Evaluation, Scientific Comprehension Manuscript Assessment, Decision Quality
• Make those manuscripts selected for publication accessible to a wide readership, by giving attention to their titles and introductory sections, particularly the abstract, and by suggesting to the authors any structural changes that are needed. Communicates Effectively, Scientific & Academic Writing
• Ensure that manuscripts accepted for publication are transferred to production in an appropriate, complete state. Operational Excellence, Publishing Workflows & Systems
• Recommend appropriate manuscripts to the Chief Editor for journal press releases and write press release drafts. Critical Scientific Evaluation
• Help to recruit, train, support and keep engaged a team of external editors, ensuring that they understand an implement the philosophy and policies of the journal. Operational Excellence, Interpersonal Awareness, SN-Communicates Effectively
• Attend conferences and meetings and visit research institutions (in agreement with the Chief Editor) and report on these activities. Interpersonal Awareness, Communicates Effectively,
• Advise Advertising and Marketing as required, answering questions raised and offering suggestions/leads wherever possible. Operational Excellence, Communicates Effectively
• Devise and supply editorial content for special projects as agreed with the Chief Editor. Operational Excellence, Scientific Comprehension, Collaboration

Experience, Skills & Qualifications: 

• PhD level research experience in environmental sciences, with strengths in analytical or computational methods (e.g., remote sensing, spatial analysis, systems or integrated assessment modelling) applied to sustainability. Candidates from other methodological areas with clear environmental and sustainability relevance are also welcome. 

• Editorial experience, postdoctoral experience, and broad training will be an advantage. 

• 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 the journal from different disciplines. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and fluency in English (written and spoken). 

• A desire to meet scientists worldwide, online and in person, and to 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. 

How to Apply

Please upload the following materials to your application:

• a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the post and salary expectations. 

• a CV (including a brief account of your research and other relevant experience) 

• a brief outline of no more than 300 words of an exciting development in sustainability or environmental science; please be as specific as possible, for example referring to a recent scientific publication or news media article (please do not use AI to enhance your writing). 

This is a full-time, permanent position, based in the Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Pune, New Delhi, or Madrid office under a hybrid working model. Internal applicants from any Springer Nature editorial hub are welcome. 

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/

#LI-MN1

Job Posting End Date: