Science Editor
What this job does:
Evaluates research manuscripts submitted to scientific journals, deciding which papers merit peer review and publication based on novelty, rigor, and significance. Manages the peer-review process by selecting reviewers and synthesizing their feedback, works with authors to sharpen accepted manuscripts, attends conferences, and commissions review articles or commentaries.
This job is similar to these lab/research tasks:
Critically reading and evaluating primary literature, writing and revising manuscripts, participating in peer review, presenting at conferences, providing constructive feedback at lab meetings and journal clubs
Typical starting salary range
$65k to $110k
Salary estimate represented as 25th to 75th percentile. Gathered from recent job postings, Glassdoor.com, and Salary.com
Daily task breakdown
- Reading and critically evaluating submitted manuscripts (triage, novelty assessment) (30%)
- Managing peer review (selecting reviewers, synthesizing reviews, editorial decisions) (25%)
- Editing manuscripts and guiding author revisions (20%)
- Community engagement (conferences, recruiting papers, commissioning content) (15%)
- Other: writing highlights, production oversight, editorial-board coordination, admin (10%)
Skills you'll use in this job:
Critical evaluation of scientific research; manuscript assessment and peer-review management; scientific writing and editing; publication ethics and research-integrity standards; familiarity with style guides (AMA, APA, Chicago); manuscript-management systems; broad scientific curiosity; written and verbal communication; networking; attention to detail; project management; diplomatic feedback delivery
Talk about these PhD skills in your resume and interview:
Talk about your experience critically reading and evaluating primary literature, writing and revising manuscripts, participating in peer review as an author or reviewer, presenting at conferences, and providing constructive feedback on colleagues' work at lab meetings and journal clubs.
Alternative job titles to search:
Scientific Editor; Associate Editor; Senior Editor; Managing Editor; Commissioning Editor; Publishing Editor; Journal Editor; Research Editor; Deputy Editor; Medical Editor
*Note:
-Job titles are inconsistent between companies. Try various keywords.
-PhDs tend to undershoot seniority level. Target higher than you think.
