Senior Editor, Physics Today

Nashville Public Radio; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Physics Today, the flagship publication of the American Institute of Physics, is seeking a Senior Editor to lead the editing team in longer-form content and to guide staff and freelance writers across physics disciplines. This role serves more than 150,000 monthly website visitors and 100,000 magazine readers.

You will shape multiplatform editorial strategy, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with visuals and digital storytelling to make complex physics accessible to a scientifically literate

Qualifications

• Graduate degree, PhD preferred, in physics or a closely related field.
• At least 8 years of professional science writing and editing experience, preferably at a scientific publication.
• Mentoring/supervision skills.
• Exceptional talent for storytelling and for explaining complex physics topics to a broad scientific audience.
• Masterful editorial judgment, creative prowess, and meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead Physics Today’s team of editors in the substantive and line editing of longer-form content to produce clear, polished pieces.
• Provide editorial oversight for editors and writers, especially for science-heavy stories.
• Help develop and hone Physics Today’s multiplatform editorial strategy.
• Identify and evaluate story ideas across physical-science fields.
• Collaborate with the Visual Experience team to enhance reader experience with visuals and media.
• Author content when needed with narrative flair and technical proficiency.
• Mentor junior staff on writing and editing.
• Foster a creative environment where new ideas are tested and refined.
• Develop a deep understanding of Physics Today’s audience to improve relevance and impact.
• Attend scientific meetings and network with the physical-sciences community.

Skills

Storytelling

Editing

Editorial leadership

Mentoring

Science writing

Physics knowledge

Deadline management

Communication

Education

PhD in physics or related field

Job description

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 solve substantive editing problems.
• Exceptional talent for storytelling and for explaining complex physics-related topics to a broad audience of scientists.
• Masterful editorial judgment, creative prowess, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to learn new things quickly and independently.
• Ability to multitask, handle multiple assignments and priorities on varying timescales, and meet deadlines.

COMPENSATION:

$101,981.00 – $112,179.00

WORKING AT AIP:

AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland, and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.

We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more.

Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to ongoing learning and development, institute-wide social opportunities, and community service, AIP is a rewarding place to work.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!