Editorial Director, Nature Research Journals, Life Sciences

Job Title: Editorial Director, Nature Research journals, Life Sciences

Locations: New York or Berlin

Application Deadline: November 15, 2026

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature

At Springer Nature, we recognise that great talent develops through many different paths. We encourage applications from individuals with strong transferable skills, provided they are supported by relevant experience that shows how those skills have been successfully applied in practice. Our hiring approach balances skills, experience, and potential to ensure each role is fulfilled with both short-term effectiveness and long term growth in mind.  

About the Brand

Nature Portfolio’s high-quality journals and services across the life, physical, chemical, and applied sciences help move science and society forward.

Nature Portfolio is home to the leading international weekly journal of science, Nature, founded in 1869. It is also home to the Nature research and Nature Reviews journals, the leading open access multidisciplinary journal Nature Communications, and open access journals including Scientific Reports. Together, these journals publish some of the world's most significant scientific discoveries.

Online, nature.com provides over nine million unique visitors per month with content, including news and comment from the Nature journal, and the leading scientific jobs board, Nature Careers. As part of Springer Nature, Nature Portfolio also offers a range of researcher services, including online and in-person training. For more information, please visit nature.com and follow @NaturePortfolio

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the leadership team that is charting the future of the renowned Nature portfolio journal family.

The Editorial Director, Life Sciences drives the strategic growth and development of a set of thematically-connected research journals within the Nature Portfolio by leading and inspiring the relevant Chief Editors and the editorial teams they oversee.

The Editorial Director, Life Sciences is a key member of the Nature Portfolio senior leadership team, actively working to define and articulate Nature Portfolio strategy within the Nature team and beyond. As a Nature Portfolio Editorial Director, you would also develop one or more areas of expertise important to overall Nature Portfolio development and take on advancement and advocacy across the broader team.

This is a permanent, full-time role offered in either the New York or Berlin office. The location strategy supports the team structure and aligns with business needs. 

Role Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate, and inspire Chief Editors and editorial teams to produce journals that deliver top-quality content and a best-in-class author experience, while building effective teams and fostering a high-performance culture.
• Ensure a data-informed approach to journal development, management, and oversight, applying strong data analytics and quantitative skills to drive performance and strategic decision-making.
• Champion workflow improvement and the adoption of new approaches and tools to enhance journal activity, operational efficiency, and author service.
• Manage effective relationships across Nature Portfolio and broader Springer Nature, demonstrating strong conflict management skills to align stakeholders and advance shared objectives.
• Understand the trends, challenges, and opportunities across your subject areas, leveraging market intelligence to support strategic business development and portfolio growth.
• Contribute actively to the strategic development of Nature Portfolio and the broader Springer Nature journals group, bringing a global perspective to emerging opportunities and organizational priorities.
• Stay abreast of market trends and developments and use those insights, along with strong decision quality, to inform strategic direction and investment priorities.
• Inspire and motivate Chief Editors and editorial teams to achieve agreed strategic and commercial performance goals, demonstrating the courage to lead change and make difficult decisions when required.
• Coach Chief Editors in team leadership, talent development, and succession planning to attract top talent, strengthen organizational capability, and promote positive engagement among team members.
• Champion your subject area within the wider organization while driving effective portfolio development and management, ensuring high visibility, sustainable growth, and inclusion in key strategic initiatives.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

• Significant experience in scientific, academic, or scholarly publishing, with a strong preference for editorial leadership experience and an understanding of the research publishing landscape.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a scientific or academic publishing environment, with success leading managers and high-performing teams and developing future leaders.
• Experience shaping the strategy, growth, and performance of journals or publishing portfolios while balancing scientific excellence and organizational objectives.
• A strong understanding of the research community and the evolving needs of researchers, institutions, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain talent while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience using data, market insights, and performance metrics to inform decisions and drive outcomes.
• Experience identifying opportunities for innovation, portfolio development, and sustainable growth, supported by sound business and strategic judgment.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across a complex organization.
• Sound judgment, resilience, and the confidence to lead through ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and make difficult decisions when needed.
• An advanced degree and, ideally, research experience in a discipline represented within the Nature Portfolio.

To apply, please send:

• A CV outlining your professional experience and achievements
• A cover letter outlining your reasons for interest in the role and an indication of salary expectations

Application Deadline: November 15, 2026

Springer Nature US provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes the benefit offerings listed below:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401(k) with company match and contribution
• Hybrid office working policy, Summer Hours, and paid time off
• Flexible Spending and Commuter programs
• Multiple Life insurance options
• Disability coverage
• Tuition Assistance
• Voluntary benefits: Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Legal Assistance Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Family-friendly benefits and a variety of employee discounts
• An array of Employee Social Networks 

US Annualized Base Salary Range: $170,000 - $190,000. This role is eligible for an annual performance-related bonus plan. The salary offer may vary based on work experience, education, skill level, and equity. The US salary range does not align with the salary ranges in other countries when converted to the currency of that country.

Springer Nature is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with the laws and regulations set forth in the following https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf poster.

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/

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