Locum Associate or Senior Editor

Job Title: Locum Associate or Senior Editor (Chemical Biology / Biological Chemistry), Nature Chemistry

Company: Nature Portfolio

Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed Term (maternity leave cover)

Location(s): London or Pune – Hybrid Work
Application Deadline: 2nd February 2026
 

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature opens the doors to discovery for researchers, educators, clinicians, and other professionals. Every day, around the globe, our imprints, books, journals, platforms, and technology solutions reach millions of people.

For over 180 years, our brands and imprints have been a trusted source of knowledge to these communities, and today, more than ever, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that fundamental knowledge can be found, verified, understood, and used by our communities – enabling them to improve outcomes, make progress, and benefit the generations that follow.

Visit group.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature / @SpringerNatureGroup.

About the Brand

Nature Portfolio is a flagship portfolio of journals, products and services including Nature and the Nature-branded journals, dedicated to serving the scientific community.

Visit nature.com and follow @Nature / @NaturePortfolio

About the Role

Nature Chemistry is a monthly journal publishing high-quality research across all areas of chemistry, while also providing commentary and analysis for the broader chemistry community.

We are seeking a Locum Associate or Senior Editor with a strong background in chemical biology or biological chemistry. This temporary 7-month position covers a broad range of topics including biocatalysis, bioconjugates, medicinal chemistry, and the chemistry of peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and natural products.

You will be responsible for assessing manuscripts, overseeing peer review, shaping journal content, and engaging with the global scientific community. Applicants with significant editorial experience may be considered for a Senior Editor position.

Role Responsibilities

Manuscript Assessment & Editorial Work

• Assess the novelty, context, and significance of submitted research across chemical biology and related fields.
• Manage the peer-review process and make editorial decisions.
• Contribute to strategic content development for Nature Chemistry.
• Commission, edit, and develop Review, Comment, and News & Views content.
• Write editorial pieces when needed.

Community & Cross-Journal Engagement

• Collaborate closely with editors across the Nature Portfolio.
• Liaise with researchers and experts from the international scientific community.
• Represent the journal at scientific meetings when required.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

Essential

• A PhD in a chemistry-related discipline with a focus on chemical biology or biological chemistry is essential.
• Additional postdoctoral or research experience is valued but not required.
• Deep understanding of current developments and trends in chemical biology/biological chemistry.
• Strong scientific curiosity and broad interest beyond your own speciality.
• Ability to critically evaluate research for novelty and impact.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with fluent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative editorial environment.

Desirable

• Editorial experience is not required; however, applicants with substantial editorial experience will be considered for the Senior Editor level.

Additional Information
The expected start date is 1 June 2026.

Applicants should include:

• A CV
• A cover letter outlining interest in the role and preferred office location
• A 300-word Research Highlight (separate file) in the style of Nature Chemistry, covering a recent peer-reviewed paper not from your own research group or from Nature Chemistry

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish.

If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence, or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodations.
Learn more about our DEI work here: https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

For more information about career opportunities at Springer Nature, visit:
https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/

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