Associate Editor, Discover Journals

Job Title:    Associate Editor, Discover Journals (Chemistry)

Location:    Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing or Pune, Hybrid Working Model

Application Deadline: July 31st, 2026

About Springer Nature  

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About the Role  

The Discover Journals Series aims to support researchers in communicating and advancing discovery for a better world. We do this by providing a trusted environment in which researchers can quickly, easily and transparently share their discoveries, data and research stories.

We are seeking an Associate Editor on our Discover journals to manage a portfolio of inclusive journals focused on integrity of our publication process, speed of review, and excellent author service. Reporting to an Executive Publisher, you will be responsible for the management, strategic development and success of the individual journals, liaising with internal staff, external journal editors, and the scientific community.

You will contribute to the success of the Discover Series by owning the launch and development of journals and content development of a defined portfolio, overseeing and supporting editorial handling of articles in various stages of the review process. This is a dynamic and varied role that will give you the opportunity to see content across a range of topics and contribute to the success of Discover as a whole.

Role Responsibilities

New Launches

• Through collaboration with internal stakeholders, project manage the timely launch of new journals, ensuring they meet required Board Member and content thresholds.
• Lead on the development of proposals for new launches in your subject area, applying a strategic mindset, global perspective, and strong scientific comprehension to identify opportunities and assess potential for success.

Content development

• Develop a journal development strategy for each journal in your portfolio, taking into account individual journal performance and development needs, as well as the overall strategy of the Discover Series, demonstrating a strategic mindset, decision quality, and the ability to manage complexity.
• Work with colleagues across the Journals group to support subject-specific strategy development at Springer Nature.
• Collaborate with our content acquisition teams to contribute ideas and support the collection and transfer pipelines.
• Proactively reach out to potential authors either directly or through the Editorial Boards to attract submissions and develop the journal, demonstrating an action-oriented approach and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholder groups.

Peer review quality

• Oversee the handling of the content published in the Discover Series journals, primarily by advising on content handled by Editorial Board members, but also by handling individual submissions yourself where required, demonstrating critical scientific evaluation.
• Investigate and resolve publishing or research ethics cases, both pre- and post-publication, with the guidance of Springer Nature Research Integrity Group when needed, demonstrating sound decision quality and the ability to manage complexity in challenging situations.
• Using your knowledge of publishing workflows and systems, communicate effectively with other teams to support the resolution of editorial issues and to prioritise author service while maintaining editorial standards.
• Advise on editorial policy development as appropriate.

Editorial Board management

• Communicate effectively and build excellent working relationships with Editorial Board Members and authors.
• Ensure maximum engagement with the Editorial Board at all levels to maintain efficient manuscript handling, drive editorial board recruitment, and engage them with the strategy and development of your journals.
• Contribute to the recruitment and training of new Editorial Board members.
• Host regular Senior Board and Editorial Board Meetings, either in person or online.
• Ensure that all members of the Editorial Board are fully aware of the ethos and editorial policies of the journal and the Discover series and have all necessary training and information to perform their roles.

Building awareness of Discover in the communities your journals serve

• Contribute to the efforts of the marketing team, providing input into marketing plans and activities, bringing a strategic mindset, global perspective, and collaborative approach to community engagement.
• Develop journal website content and features that are of interest to the community and raise the profile of the journal websites in the online environment.
• Attend conferences to promote the journals and develop a network of contacts within relevant fields, demonstrating strong scientific comprehension and the ability to communicate effectively with relevant audiences.
• Increase journal visibility by writing blogs and participating in social media activities to promote journal content and Discover values.

Contribute to the Discover team

• Contribute to the culture of the Discover publishing team by supporting your colleagues, covering for them when needed and sharing expertise and experience, demonstrating strong collaboration, commitment to self-development, and support for the development of others.
• Develop strong working relationships with colleagues in marketing, production, IT and other departments to ensure journal success, and work together with department contacts to resolve any problems that may arise
• Take part in cross-departmental projects and/or company-wide task forces and working groups.
• Represent the team in projects with Production, Sales, Marketing, Finance and other Editorial colleagues.

Experience, skills and qualifications

• Educated to PhD level (or equivalent) in the field of Chemistry.
• A clear interest in open access publishing
• An interest in scientific research and current knowledge of a relevant field
• Knowledge of editorial process and related matters
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Highly customer focused
• Strong analytical/critical appraisal skills
• Willing to travel occasionally and represent Discover at external events
• Able to respond to non-routine circumstances
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills, able to balance short-term deadlines with long-term goals
• Self-starter with a positive, can-do approach to problem-solving
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances
• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues at all levels
• Ability to work in a team
• Previous editorial experience a strong plus

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 accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

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