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Senior Scientific Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scholastic

Senior Editor

New York, NY

The Senior Editor will wear many hats, assisting in all aspects of creating Storyworks 4-6 and ... Communicate with scientists, historians, and fact checkers to make sure the facts we present in our ...

Scholastic Corporation

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site

The Senior Editor will wear many hats, assisting in all aspects of creating Storyworks 4-6 and ... Communicate with scientists, historians, and fact checkers to make sure the facts we present in our ...

AAAS

Senior Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$95K - $100K/yr

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 ...

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Senior Scientific Editor information

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$37K

$83.1K

$120.5K

How much do senior scientific editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientific editor in the United States is $83,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Scientific Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Scientific Editor, you need a strong background in scientific research, excellent editing and writing skills, and typically an advanced degree (such as a PhD) in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with reference management software, manuscript tracking systems, and publication standards (like AMA, APA, or journal-specific guidelines) is essential. Outstanding attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the accuracy, clarity, and integrity of scientific publications, contributing to effective communication within the scientific community.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Scientific Editors when managing the peer review process?

Senior Scientific Editors often encounter challenges such as balancing timely manuscript decisions with maintaining high editorial standards. Coordinating communication among authors, reviewers, and editorial board members can require strong organizational skills and diplomacy, especially when handling conflicting reviewer feedback or sensitive revisions. Additionally, staying current with developments in the relevant scientific field and ensuring ethical guidelines are upheld throughout the review process are key responsibilities that demand continuous learning and attention to detail.

What does a Senior Scientific Editor do?

A Senior Scientific Editor reviews, edits, and manages scientific manuscripts to ensure clarity, accuracy, and adherence to publication standards. They work closely with authors, peer reviewers, and editorial teams to guide manuscripts through the publication process. Their responsibilities may include evaluating scientific content, providing feedback to improve research presentation, overseeing journal sections, and maintaining high editorial standards. Senior Scientific Editors often have advanced degrees in scientific fields and significant experience in academic publishing. They play a critical role in ensuring the quality and integrity of scientific literature.

What is the difference between Senior Scientific Editor vs Scientific Writer?

AspectSenior Scientific EditorScientific Writer
CredentialsAdvanced degree in science, editing experienceDegree in science or related field, writing skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic, publishing, research organizationsPharmaceutical, biotech, research institutions
Employer & IndustryScientific journals, publishers, research institutesPharmaceutical companies, research firms, agencies
Primary FocusEditing, ensuring scientific accuracy, quality controlCreating scientific content, reports, manuscripts

While both roles require scientific knowledge, Senior Scientific Editors focus on reviewing and refining scientific content for accuracy and clarity, often overseeing publication quality. Scientific Writers primarily produce scientific documents, reports, and articles. The roles complement each other but differ in responsibilities and focus areas within the scientific communication process.

More about Senior Scientific Editor jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Scientific Editor jobs? Cities with the most Senior Scientific Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Editor jobs? The most popular types of Scientific Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Scientific Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Scientific Editor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Scientific Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Scientific Editor jobs are:
Senior Scientific Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Scientific Editor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,110 per year, or $40 per hour.
Senior Editor

Senior Editor

American Association for the Advancement of Science

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$95K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

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 July 3, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A Recruiter will contact you with next steps if you are selected for an interview.
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.
Search Firm and Employment Agency Disclaimer
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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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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