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Senior Scientific Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Senior Medical Editor at ICON, you will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, clarity, and ... Editing and proofreading a wide range of scientific documents, including clinical study reports ...

As a Senior Medical Editor at ICON, you will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, clarity, and ... Editing and proofreading a wide range of scientific documents, including clinical study reports ...

As a Senior Medical Editor at ICON, you will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, clarity, and ... Editing and proofreading a wide range of scientific documents, including clinical study reports ...

Senior Medical Editor

$80K - $95K/yr

Our drive to transform healthcare is informed by our blend of deep scientific expertise, human ... As a Senior Medical Editor at Real Chemistry, you will play a critical role in ensuring the ...

. Who we are: International Meetings and Science (IMsci), a division of VML Health, works with ... As a Senior Medical Editor- Freelance you will manage all editorial requirements of assigned ...

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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 Jul 13, 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 is the highest paying editing job?

Senior scientific editors or editors working in specialized fields such as medical, pharmaceutical, or technical publishing tend to have the highest salaries in editing. These roles often require advanced degrees, subject matter expertise, and experience with editing complex scientific content, with top earners reaching six-figure salaries depending on industry and location.

How to become a senior editor?

To become a senior scientific editor, candidates typically need a strong background in the relevant scientific field, often requiring a master's degree or Ph.D. along with several years of experience in editing or research. Developing expertise in scientific writing, peer review processes, and familiarity with editing tools like reference management software can also be beneficial, along with demonstrating leadership and project management skills. Progression usually involves gaining experience as an associate or junior editor before advancing to senior roles.

What is the salary of senior Scientific Editor in Elsevier?

The salary of a Senior Scientific Editor at Elsevier typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and qualifications. The role often requires strong editing skills, scientific knowledge, and familiarity with publishing tools.

How much do scientific editors get paid?

Scientific editors typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the employer. Senior scientific editors with extensive expertise and advanced degrees can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 to $100,000 per year.

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:
Infographic showing various Senior Scientific Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 71% In-person, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,110 per year, or $40 per hour.
Senior Managing Editor, Journals

Senior Managing Editor, Journals

American Cancer Society

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


American Cancer Society rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

140th of 707 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

At the American Cancer Society, we'reworking to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.Our employees and 1.3 million volunteersare raising the bar every single day. We are a culture comprised of diverse backgrounds and experience, to better serve our communities.
The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

The Senior Managing Editor will manage the peer review and editorial operations for a high-volume medical journal published by the American Cancer Society. Duties will include managing peer review, production, supplements, special projects, Editors, and the Editorial Board, including overseeing the relationship with a contracted editorial services provider. The Senior Managing Editor will partner with the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) to develop strategies and objectives to ensure the journal's growth and development in a competitive marketplace and will ensure all scholarly publishing guidelines are followed. The Senior Managing Editor is a supervisory position that will oversee one or more lower-level assistant manager editors for an identified journal.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Manages peer review for the journal to achieve optimal efficiency and ensure compliance with scholarly publishing guidelines. Manages relationship with contracted editorial services provider and oversees work of their staff, including monitoring time per task, evaluating monthly hours, and setting annual budget. Facilitates the use of digital tools for peer review and production. Provides data-intensive analysis of peer review, editor turnarounds, production, and bibliometrics to make metric-driven decisions that will support Editor and ACS goals for content. Supervises an Assistant Managing Editor in day-to-day activities related to peer review, solicitation, and content promotion. (30%)
  • Manages editorial functions for the journal. Serves as the representative for the journal during monthly calls with the publisher regarding production, special articles, supplements, and ACS-authored content such as ACS statistics articles. Manages the EIC, Section Editors, and Editorial Board -responsibilities include refreshing members, training Section Editors, analyzing workloads, monitoring performance, and fostering diversity of the board. Works with the Editors, Senior Director, and Managing Editors to implement editorial policies that follow scholarly publishing guidelines, including, but not limited to, research misconduct and ethical issues that may arise. Works with the Publisher to investigate and resolve cases of author and reviewer misconduct. Plans, executes, and leads an annual Section Editor meeting with around 30 external attendees, as well as two Editorial Board meetings with over 100 external attendees. Compiles data analysis into reports for presentation and discussion as needed. Directs the Assistant Managing Editor in the implementation of all journal editorial priorities and goals and ensures the support of the Editors on a day-to-day basis. (30%)
  • Oversees journal social media, promotion, and marketing efforts, including selecting articles for publicity, curating video content, and developing topics for the podcast, working strategically with the Research Engagement Manager for the Journals, the Assistant Managing Editor, and the publisher's marketing team to increase visibility and grow usage and submissions. (20%)
  • Provides operational management and budgetary support. Manages, trains, and develops an Assistant Managing Editor. Oversees revenue-generating sponsored supplements and special issues. Reviews competing journals to stay familiar with the field, including new trends or issues that may affect the processes of our journals. Participates in sales calls with the publisher. (20%)

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's Degree
  • Years of experience: 5 years in a scientific or academic publishing environment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:

  • 5 years peer review management experience, working with physicians/scientists.
  • 4 years of people leader experience.
  • Self-starter with excellent judgement, problem-solving skills, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills including writing executive summaries.
  • Must be customer-oriented and tactful.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and present reports and data to various audiences.
  • Advanced analytic and computer skills including compiling complex reports and using advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
  • Highly organized, with a keen understanding of strict deadlines and deliverables. Willingness to be flexible with schedule (i.e. occasional international calls with different time zones, etc.).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to represent ACS at conferences and other events that are attended by oncologists, oncology specialists, cytopathologists/pathologists, and other health professional audiences such as primary care. May attend professional publishing conferences; moderate or present at sessions; and participate in trainings, committees, and other activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • N/A

The salary range is $95,000 - $100,000. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.


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