Sub Editor

Job Title: Sub Editor

Permanent, full-time

Location: London, UK

Application deadline: 19 October 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 Role

Are you a scientist with a keen eye for detail? Would you like to play a part in ensuring high standards of quality for one of the world’s leading science publishers? We have a vacancy for a Sub Editor responsible for providing a fast, efficient and high-quality service for authors. The role involves sub editing short, non-primary research content from our Nature Research Journals and Nature Reviews journals and proofreading longer-form primary research and review article content from Nature, Nature Research Journals and Nature Reviews journals. 

The location(s) strategy supports team structure and aligns business needs. 

Role Responsibilities:

• Copy‑edit assigned non‑primary content within agreed turnaround times, ensuring the text is readable, grammatically correct, accurate, internally consistent, and aligned with house style. This requires strong Editorial Skills, excellent Writing Skills, and high Scientific Comprehension.
• Ensure that figures are accurately reproduced and consistent with the text, applying Critical Scientific Evaluation and familiarity with Publishing Workflows & Systems to check accuracy and coherence.
• Confer with production staff to set priorities and edit figures, demonstrating effective Collaboration, clear Communication, and strong Interpersonal Awareness when coordinating with colleagues across teams.
• Check authors’ proof corrections and accurately incorporate those changes that are reasonable and correct - Adaptability.
• Ensure all final content is accurate and completed to the authors’ satisfaction, drawing on strong Editorial Skills, Scientific Comprehension, and professional Communication to deliver high‑quality outputs.
• Resolve copy‑editing queries escalated from authors or other departments - Communicates Effectively.
• Provide assistance for other sub‑editors according to workload, demonstrating strong Collaboration, Adaptability.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent knowledge of the English language
• Computer literate
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work individually or as part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Broad interest in production and publishing
• Flexible and adaptable
• Punctual and reliable
• Good degree in a physical sciences subject area

Desirable                           

• Publishing/copy-editing experience is desirable, but not essential
• Post-graduate science qualification and/or publishing qualification is desirable, but not essential

To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter outlining your key ambitions in the role.

At Springer Nature, we value the diversity of our teams and work to build an inclusive culture, where people are treated fairly and can bring their differences to work and thrive. We empower our colleagues and value their diverse perspectives as we strive to attract, nurture and develop the very best talent.
Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion
If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.
For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://careers.springernature.com/

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