Commissioning Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Science magazine have an exciting opportunity for a full time Senior Editor for the Commentary section. The editor will handle primarily Perspectives in biology. A broad knowledge of neuroscience is desirable but familiarity across the biological sciences is necessary.  Perspectives provide accessible, broadly interesting, and authoritative analyses on the most important recent scientific developments. They can be paired with papers in the journal but also be “stand alone” pieces on emerging topics. The position also covers opinion pieces, including Expert Voices columns.  The editor works with the Visuals and Media teams to create striking explanatory graphics and multimedia, while ensuring excellent customer service to our authors.

Help us ignite the next era of science.

What You’ll Do

• Invite, edit, and publish Perspectives every week in Science
• Handle the peer-review of “stand alone” Perspectives
• Handle Expert Voices columns and possibly other opinion pieces
• Work with social and multimedia teams for communicating scientific concepts
• Network with the scientific community through meetings and professional contacts and identify topics and authors for Perspectives.
• Contribute to other parts of the magazine including special issues and “In Other Journals.”

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD and postdoctoral research experience in a relevant field
• At least five years of experience as a commissioning editor with proven ability to meet deadlines, commission commentary, and edit text to achieve accessibility to a broad audience.
• Familiarity and ease with publishing and editing software (MS Office, Adobe Professional)
• Comprehensive knowledge of scientific research methods to discuss technical issues with authors
• Excellent outreach skills to identify and select the best authors for the journal
• Exceptional written, communication, and listening skills to communicate with authors and members of the editorial and production teams
• Time management: A proven ability to work efficiently to meet competing deadlines
• Exceptional editing skills to ensure efficient and high-quality standards of writing
• Knowledge of best practices in commissioning and peer review to ensure fairness, diversity, and ethical handling of manuscripts.
• Ability to make informed, fair, and consistent decisions about submitted content.

Location

We have offices in Washington, DC and Cambridge, UK. Remote work is possible.  If you are not located in or able to work from a location where AAAS has a business presence, you may not be eligible for this position. Please contact our Talent Team at jobs@aaas.org with any questions regarding your eligibility.

Application Process

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position by August 10, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A Recruiter will contact you with next steps if you are selected for an interview.

AAAS is aware of fraudulent messages from individuals and entities falsely claiming to represent our organization. Please note that all official recruitment communications will come from an @aaas.org email address, and all open positions are posted on our Careers page (aaas.org/careers). AAAS will never ask applicants to provide payment, financial information including credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers during the hiring process via an email. If you receive an email claiming to be from AAAS that looks suspicious, do not click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, please contact us at jobs@aaas.org before responding or sharing any personal information.

The anticipated initial rate of compensation for this position is $95,000 – $100,000 per year (for candidates hired in the US). AAAS currently provides the following benefits for this position: paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, flexible spending account, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, short- and long-term disability, each subject to the terms of the applicable program. Additional benefits may apply.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of AAAS and will be based on a variety of factors, including years of experience, depth of experience, and other relevant factors. AAAS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.

AAAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category. AAAS uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

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The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Any unsolicited resumes sent to AAAS from a third party, such as an agency, including unsolicited resumes sent to an AAAS mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to AAAS employees, or to the AAAS resume database will be considered AAAS property. Verbal or written communications from any employee of AAAS shall not be considered binding obligations. AAAS Human Resources is the only AAAS representative authorized by AAAS to enter into any employment agreements with any third party. AAAS will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

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