Associate or Scientific Editor, iScience (Physical Science)

RELX INC; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global information and analytics leader is seeking an editor in physical sciences to shape their peer-reviewed journal. The role involves managing submissions and peer reviews while contributing to journal development. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and a passion for science and community engagement. The position offers generous benefits and promotes a healthy work/life balance.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Health screening and private medical benefits

Wellbeing programmes

Life assurance

Competitive contributory pension scheme

Share option scheme

Travel season ticket loan

Optional dental insurance

Family leave options

Employee Assistance Programme

Emergency care access

Volunteer days

Learning and development resources

Employee discount scheme

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a physical science area.
• Research experience in a relevant field with peer-reviewed publications.
• Possibly previous editorial experience in publishing.

Responsibilities

• Assess submitted research papers and make editorial recommendations.
• Provide author service and oversee the peer review process.
• Strengthen the visibility and reputation of the journal.

Skills

Expertise in physical sciences

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Critical evaluation of research

Teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in physical science

Job description

Would you like to start your career in scientific journals publishing?

Do you want to use your passion for science to help publish exciting research?

About the team

iScience is a peer‑reviewed journal from Cell Press that provides a platform for original research in the life, physical, earth, social, and health sciences. We aim to fuel interdisciplinary thinking and consider research with significant contribution to a relevant field combined with robust results and underlying methodology.

About the role

We are seeking an editor with expertise in physical sciences—such as physics, chemistry, materials science, energy, device, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or data science—to join the iScience team. In this role, you will help shape the journal by managing submissions, coordinating peer review, and engaging with the scientific community. You will work closely with a collaborative team dedicated to advancing open science and interdisciplinary research.

We are looking for someone with a strong background in physical sciences, excellent communication and organisational skills, and the ability to evaluate research critically while working effectively in a team. At iScience, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. If you bring curiosity, commitment, and a passion for science, we encourage you to apply—even if you do not meet every requirement.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience will contribute to iScience.

Responsibilities

• Assess one’s submitted research papers critically, and make editorial recommendations.
• Provide outstanding author service and oversee the peer review process.
• Establish relationships with scientists in the physical science area through outreach to research communities and recruit exciting papers.
• Travel to scientific conferences and visit academic institutes.
• Strengthen and build the visibility and reputation of the journal.
• Contribute to strategic planning and journal development with the editorial team.
• Build effective working relationships with colleagues across Cell Press and beyond.
• Contribute to broader Cell Press initiatives to shape the future of science communication.

Requirements

• Hold a Ph.D. in a physical science area (e.g., physics, chemistry, materials science, energy, device, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, data science, etc.).
• Have research experience in a relevant field or the wider development community, with a track record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Previous editorial experience, with a good understanding of all aspects of the journal publishing process, would be an added advantage but is not required.
• Utilise critical thinking and the willingness to learn and absorb new areas of research.
• Display strong teamwork and interpersonal skills with a collaborative problem‑solving mindset.
• Have an interest in engaging with the scientific community.
• Be able to work successfully both independently and in a diverse global team.
• Have a natural ability to engage, influence and build relationships with stakeholders, teams and community.

Work in a way that works for you

We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organisation. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long‑term goals.

Working for you

We know that your wellbeing and happiness are key to a long and successful career. These are some of the benefits we are delighted to offer:

• Generous holiday allowance, with the option to buy additional days
• Health screening, eye care vouchers and private medical benefits
• Wellbeing programmes
• Life assurance
• Access to a competitive contributory pension scheme
• Save As You Earn share option scheme
• Travel season ticket loan
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Optional dental insurance
• Maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to emergency care for both the elderly and children
• RECARES days, giving you time to support the charities and causes that matter to you
• Access to employee resource groups with dedicated time to volunteer
• Access to extensive learning and development resources
• Access to employee discount scheme via Perks at Work

About the Business

A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world's grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer: qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, disability status, protected veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.