Executive Editor of EIROForum's 'Science in School' (IR-ECO-TSP-2025-82-LD)

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Introduction

Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers? Do you have a talent for engaging teachers with innovative educational experiences and curating impactful content? CERN, take part!

Science in School is the prestigious European journal for science teachers, supporting teachers in the delivery of their STEM curricula by connecting them to inspiring, cutting-edge science and technology. A collaborative effort by eight European research organisations, Science in School spans the full breadth of the life, physical, environmental and computational sciences and engineering.

The successful candidate will be a skilled and passionate science educator with experience in producing, commissioning and editing content for classroom use.

The Executive Editor will work closely with the Science in School Steering Committee to develop an annual content production plan for the journal and will be responsible for the implementation and evaluation of the plan including content production and publication, overseeing its publication on the Science in School website.

The Executive Editor will be assisted by an Editorial Assistant, and by the Science in School Editorial Board composed of the educational contacts of the eight sponsoring organizations.

You will join the International Relations Sector (IR), Education, Communications and Outreach Group (ECO) that is responsible for maintaining support for CERN's mission from all its stakeholders, generating public engagement with CERN's activities and with fundamental research, fostering community-building and raising awareness of CERN's societal impact. The group is composed of professionals covering all its activities: writers, media officers, graphic and web designers, social media specialists, education specialists, exhibition developers, photographers and video editors, event organizers.

The Executive Editor will report to the CERN Head of Teacher and Student Programmes and be based at CERN. Within the ECO group, the Teacher and Student Programmes section (ECO-TSP) runs a broad portfolio of programmes for teachers and school students, as well as carrying out Physics Education Research (PER) at CERN in support of the delivery of the programmes.

Functions

As Science in School Executive Editor, you will:

• In consultation with the Science in School Steering Committee, develop an annual editorial content plan for the journal, and oversee its implementation and evaluation, ensuring high standards of scientific accuracy, credibility and timeliness in the Science in School output;
• Commission external authors and contributors to produce content, and write articles;
• Commission external and internal editors and peer reviewers for content, and proofread and edit articles;
• Liaise with EIROForum science and technology experts to identify subjects suitable for expert videos and webinars, and assist in script preparation, proof-reading and editing;
• Supervise the Editorial Assistant;
• Represent Science in School to external stakeholders, including its primary audience of science teachers across Europe;
• Liaise with EIROForum educational teams to ensure provision of relevant input from their organisations;
• Work with the CERN web team to publish content and maintain the existing website, including video upload and organization of on-line webinars, and assist in monitoring and maintaining the Science in School social media presence;
• Liaise with internal and external digital and design teams to ensure the current and future needs of the programme are reflected in the Science in School website.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Science Communication/Education or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience as editor, ideally in STEM subjects;
• Experience in science communication and formal or informal education;
• Excellent written English skills and extensive drafting experience;
• Experience with content-management systems;
• Personnel, budget, and production management expertise.

Technical competencies:

• Stakeholder relationship management;
• Science communications;
• Text editing and proof-reading;
• Teaching and training;
• Organisation, planning and control;
• Social media;

Behavioural competencies:

• Demonstrating accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions; working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises.
• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Communicating effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point; delivering presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusting style and content to the audience; responding calmly and confidently to questions.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting; using time efficiently and effectively; remaining objective, focused and productive in a stressful environment; focusing on solutions rather than problems.
• Creating vision and strategic partnerships: demonstrating respect, diplomacy and tact with external partners; creating shared interests and promoting contact and collaboration with key external partners.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 08.05.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: IR-ECO-TSP-2025-82-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Communications/Public Relations /External Relations Professional