Senior Editor, Physics Today

American Institute of Physics Incorporated; Maryland; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

American Institute of Physics (AIP) invites applications for a Senior Editor at Physics Today. You will lead the editorial team, shaping longer-form physics content for a global readership of scientists and engineers. The role emphasizes narrative clarity, scientific accuracy, and strategic oversight across multiple platforms.

We seek a PhD in physics or equivalent, with 8+ years of professional science writing/editing, mentoring skills, and a proactive approach to evolving audience needs.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or closely related field, or equivalent extensive knowledge.
• 8+ years of professional science writing and editing experience.
• Mentoring/supervision skills.
• Strong critical-thinking and editorial judgment.

Responsibilities

• Lead Physics Today’s editing team for longer-form content, ensuring clarity and engagement.
• Provide editorial oversight for editors and writers across science topics.
• Develop and implement multiplatform editorial strategy.
• Identify compelling story ideas across physical sciences.
• Collaborate with Visual Experience to enhance reader experience with visuals.
• Author content when needed with strong narrative and technical skill.
• Mentor junior staff and foster creative, innovative editorial culture.
• Attend scientific meetings to connect with the physics community.

Skills

Mentoring

Editorial leadership

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Education

PhD in Physics

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Senior Editor, Physics Today

WHO WE ARE: Scientific discovery shapes our lives every day. And AIP, publisher of Physics Today, empowers the organizations and people that make those discoveries possible.

As a Federation, AIP advances the success of a community of more than 30 independent scientific organizations. They, in turn, support hundreds of thousands of professionals across many scientific and engineering disciplines. AIP creates shared spaces — forums, conversations, connections — where individual action among our Member Organizations becomes collective impact.

As an Institute, AIP preserves the history of discovery so the past can guide the future. We study how research is done, who participates, and what holds people back or propels them to succeed. Our findings inform policy, practice, and decision-making across the physical sciences. We are especially focused on the next generation of physical scientists and committed to ensuring talent from anywhere can thrive in our fields.

Humanity needs science. And science needs people and organizations working together to tackle our planet’s toughest challenges. Together, we can advance science, empower scientists, and ensure discovery continues to shape our lives.

We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team!

SUMMARY: ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT PHYSICS? SKILLED AT STORYTELLING?EXPERIENCED IN EDITING? Join Physics Today, the world’s most influential physical‑sciences publication, as a Senior Editor. The flagship publication of AIP, Physics Today is a trusted voice for the physical sciences. Through its accessible, engaging content, Physics Today serves as a unifying influence that bridges disciplinary boundaries and cultivates a shared understanding, appreciation, and sense of belonging. Physics Today keeps the community informed, stimulates conversation, and helps shape how the community sees itself.

In this role, you will lead the Physics Today editing team in honing longer‑form content, written by subject‑matter experts and by staff and freelance writers and spanning the full gamut of fields, to make the pieces relevant and engaging for more than 150,000 monthly website visitors and 100,000 magazine readers. Come leverage your graduate degree in physics (PhD preferred) and 8+ years of science writing and editing experience to create impactful content for Physics Today’s scientifically literate audience and connect with the global physical‑sciences community.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• 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.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• A passion for science and science communication.
• Graduate degree, PhD preferred, in physics or a closely related field, or equivalent extensive knowledge of the physical‑sciences research community.
• At least 8 years of professional science writing and editing experience, preferably at a scientific publication.
• Mentoring/supervision skills
• Strong critical-thinking skills and ability to