Senior Editor - Physical Sciences Narrative & Strategy

American Institute of Physics; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Retirement contribution (10%)

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

American Institute of Physics (AIP) invites applications for a Senior Editor of Physics Today, the flagship publication of AIP. You will lead the editing team, oversee long-form content by scientists and writers, and guide content to engage 150,000+ monthly website visitors and 100,000 magazine readers.

The role leverages a PhD in physics (preferred) and 8+ years of science writing/editing, with broad responsibility across editorial strategy, storytelling, and mentoring within a flexible hybrid

Qualifications

• Graduate degree, PhD preferred, in physics or a closely related field.
• At least 8 years of professional science writing and editing experience.
• Strong critical-thinking skills and ability to solve substantive editing problems.
• Exceptional talent for storytelling and for explaining complex physics-related topics to a broad audience of scientists.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Physics Today’s team of editors in the substantive and line editing of longer‑form content to produce clear, polished, and engaging final products that resonate with the audience.
• Provide editorial oversight for editors and writers, especially for stories that delve deeply into the science of a field.
• Help develop, implement, and hone Physics Today’s multiplatform editorial strategy.
• Identify and evaluate story ideas about noteworthy and interesting developments and evergreen topics across the gamut of physical-science fields.
• Work with the Visual Experience team and others to develop and incorporate a broad palette of visuals and other media that enhance the reader experience, taking full, creative advantage of digital storytelling opportunities.
• Author content, as needed, with exceptional narrative flair and technical proficiency.
• Mentor junior staff on writing and editing.
• Foster a creative environment where new ideas are encouraged, tested, and refined.
• Develop a deep understanding of the Physics Today audience and its evolving information needs in order to continuously improve content relevance, engagement, and impact.
• Attend scientific meetings and maintain broad contact with members of the physical‑sciences community.
• Contribute to and advance the overall editorial effort of Physics Today.

Skills

Storytelling

Editorial oversight

Mentoring

Multitasking

Deadline-driven

Education

PhD preferred

Physics or related field degree

Graduate degree

Job description

American Institute of Physics (AIP) invites applications for a Senior Editor of Physics Today, the flagship publication of AIP. You will lead the editing team, oversee long-form content by scientists and writers, and guide content to engage 150,000+ monthly website visitors and 100,000 magazine readers.

The role leverages a PhD in physics (preferred) and 8+ years of science writing/editing, with broad responsibility across editorial strategy, storytelling, and mentoring within a flexible hybrid