Title: Associate or Senior Editor (optical physics), Nature Progress Optics & Photonics

Location: Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, New Delhi or Pune – hybrid working model

Closing date: 20th November 2026

About Springer Nature

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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.

About The Role

Do you love science but feel that a career at the bench isn’t enough to sate your desire to learn more about the natural world? Do you enjoy reading papers outside your chosen area of research? If the answer is ‘yes’ to any or all of these questions, you could be the person we’re looking for to join the editorial team of Nature Portfolio Open Access journal covering the area of optics and photonics.

We’re seeking an editor with a critical eye, a deep understanding of their subject and interests beyond, and who can think on their feet. We are looking for a candidate with experience in optics research. A large part of the role will be working alongside the journal’s Editorial Board.

Role responsibilities:

• Handle original research manuscripts, applying critical scientific evaluation and deep scientific comprehension to assess quality, novelty and suitability for publication, and making sound, well-reasoned editorial decisions throughout manuscript selection and peer review.
• Drive editorial excellence by delivering high-quality editorial services in line with journal standards, using established publishing workflows and systems to ensure accuracy, consistency and adherence to publication timelines.
• Collaborate closely with authors and reviewers to ensure a rigorous and transparent review process, communicating editorial decisions and feedback clearly and constructively while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
• Serve as a key representative of the journal within the scientific community, engaging with researchers and industry experts to understand emerging trends, priorities and publishing needs, and translating these insights into informed editorial direction.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of editorial policies, peer review practices and publishing processes, identifying opportunities to streamline workflows and strengthen systems that uphold scientific integrity and enhance the journal’s impact and reputation.
• Build trusted partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, while managing competing priorities and expectations, applying conflict management and relationship-building skills to drive alignment, resolve challenges, and ensure smooth editorial operations.
• Partner with the Chief Editor to execute the journal’s development strategy, using market intelligence and a strategic mindset to weigh options, identify growth opportunities, strengthen journal positioning and support long-term objectives.
• Drive content development by proactively attracting high-quality submissions, commissioning reviews and special collections, and working with the scientific community on impactful publishing initiatives that enhance the journal’s influence.
• Develop compelling scientific and academic content to showcase published research, such as editorials, highlights and summaries that make complex findings accessible, and contribute to a collaborative editorial culture by sharing expertise, supporting colleagues and driving knowledge exchange across the Nature Portfolio editorial team.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a field related to optics/photonics. This could include but is not limited to imaging, optical communication, sensing, optical computing, and quantum optics; knowledge and experience in integrated optics would be an advantage.
• Additional research experience is valuable but not necessary.
• 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 speciality.
• 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 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.

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

• A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the role, relevant experience, preferred office location, salary expectations and current notice period. 
• A CV detailing your education, employment history, list of published scientific papers, and any achievements demonstrating your suitability for the position.

This role can be located in our Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, New Delhi, and Pune office. The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis. Internal candidates in other journals editorial hubs are welcome to apply. Editorial experience is not required, although applicants with significant editorial experience are encouraged to apply and will potentially be considered for Senior Editor positions.

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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