Senior Editor, Assistant Director

American Institute of Physics Incorporated•College Park, MD

16d•Hybrid

About The Position

Physics Today, the flagship publication of AIP and the world's most influential physical-sciences publication, is seeking a Senior Editor. This role is crucial for maintaining Physics Today's position as a trusted voice that bridges disciplinary boundaries and fosters a shared understanding and sense of belonging within the physical sciences community. The publication aims to keep the community informed, stimulate conversation, and shape its self-perception. The Senior Editor will lead the editing team in refining longer-form content, written by experts and writers, to make it relevant and engaging for a large audience across both print and digital platforms. This position offers an opportunity to leverage a graduate degree in physics and extensive science writing and editing experience to create impactful content and connect with the global physical-sciences community.

Requirements

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.

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.