Chief Editor, Scientific Reviews

Springer Nature; Lincoln; Hybrid; GBP 97,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global publisher is seeking a Chief Editor for Scientific Reviews, a multidisciplinary journal. This high-profile role involves shaping editorial strategy and leading the editorial team. The position requires significant editorial experience, with an emphasis on open access publishing. The role can be based in several major cities under a hybrid working model. Ideal candidates should hold a PhD and have strong leadership and organizational skills, alongside a deep understanding of the publishing landscape.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading editorial teams.
• Understanding the needs of authors as key customers.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

• Shape editorial strategy and build a community of researchers.
• Lead a team of in-house editors.
• Implement new policies, workflows, systems, and processes.

Skills

PhD-level research experience

Manuscript-handling editorial experience

Knowledge of open access publishing

Leadership and team-building qualities

Strong workload management

Education

PhD in natural sciences, psychology, medicine, or engineering

Job description

Job Title: Chief Editor, Scientific Reviews

Location: Heidelberg, London, New York or Shanghai - Hybrid working model

Applications Deadline: 22nd December

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.

About the Role

We are looking for a Chief Editor to launch and oversee the future development of Scientific Reviews.

Scientific Reviews will be a multidisciplinary Nature Portfolio journal specializing in review articles. As a sister journal of Scientific Reports, it will become an inclusive, rigorous and trusted venue for a broad range of researchers.

This will be a high-profile role within a strategically vital area for the Fully Open Access Brands group. As Chief Editor, you will shape editorial strategy and build a community of researchers around the journal. You will lead a team of in-house editors and ensure high levels of editorial rigour and integrity. Your efforts will be instrumental in building a prominent journal that is valued by the global research community.

The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis and can be based in our Heidelberg, London, New York or Shanghai offices on a hybrid working pattern.

Role responsibilities

• Strategic planning for the editorial development and growth of the journal, in collaboration with editorial, publishing and other colleagues.
• Leadership and line management of the In‑House Editorial team.
• Developing and leading an external Editorial Board.
• Representing the journal within the internal editorial and external research communities.
• Overseeing the prevention, investigation and resolution of research integrity issues.
• Understanding and serving the needs of authors, EBMs and reviewers; ensuring excellent author service, particularly regarding manuscript handling times.
• Implementing new policies, workflows, systems, and processes, and supporting the development of robust transfer pathways.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

Essential

• PhD‑level research experience from any area of natural sciences, psychology, medicine or engineering.
• Significant experience in a manuscript‑handling editorial role, ideally of reviews content.
• A thorough understanding of the publishing landscape, including detailed knowledge of open access publishing, and inclusive editorial models.
• A thorough understanding of the needs of authors as key customers.
• Excellent leadership and team‑building qualities.
• Strong workload management and organisational skills.
• Experience of working effectively in a matrixed organisation.

To apply, please submit

• a CV
• a cover letter explaining your interest in the post

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

US employees are eligible for benefits including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, life and AD&D insurance, tuition assistance, employee assistance program, paid vacation and sick time, flexible spending accounts, and a 401k retirement savings plan.

In order to comply with various pay transparency laws and legislations in the United States, the salary range and benefits for this position are included. This information is only applicable to US‑based candidates and the actual salary offer may vary based on work experience, education, skill level and equity. Salary ranges differ by country due to various local market considerations. The US salary range does not align with the salary ranges in other countries when converted to the currency of that country.

The US Annualized Base Salary Range: $130,000 – $145,000. This role is eligible for an annual performance‑related bonus plan.

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/

Job Posting End Date:
23‑12‑2025