Associate Editor, Physics Today

Posted On: May 30, 2023

Journalism Job

Media Organization: Physics Today

Company Description

The American Institute of Physics is a federation that advances the success of our 10 Member Societies and an institute that operates as a center of excellence supporting the physical sciences enterprise.

Over the last 400 years, the physical sciences have evolved a powerful predictive model of our world, enabling stunning technological achievements and enriching our understanding of the Universe and our place in it. AIP has, for nearly a century, worked to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences.

AIP provides the means for its Member Societies to pool, coordinate, and leverage their diverse expertise and contributions in the pursuit of the shared goal of advancing the physical sciences in the research enterprise, in the economy, in education, and in society. Through their partnership in AIP, Member Societies broaden their impact and achieve results beyond their individual missions and mandates.

AIP also acts as an independent institute where research in social science, policy, and history advances the discipline of the physical sciences.

Whereas AIP was established as a provider of publishing services to its Member Societies, the Institute has evolved considerably over the decades. Following the formation and successful spinoff in 2013 of AIP Publishing and as the Institute heads toward its centenary in 2031, AIP has adopted a Strategic Framework that is guiding the Institute's operations and evolution over the period 2020-2025.

Job Description

Who we are: 

Physics Today, the flagship publication of the American Institute of Physics (AIP), is the most influential and closely followed physics magazine in the world, with more than 100,000 magazine readers and 150,000 monthly website visitors.  

Our mission is to be a unifying influence for the physical-sciences community without regard to disciplinary boundaries. We provide authoritative coverage of physical-science research and applications and report on and analyze the often-complex interactions of the physical sciences with each other and with society. We help readers maintain a broad scientific perspective and keep up to date in fields of physics other than their own. And by promoting the exchange of ideas and engaging with readers on our pages, on our website, and on social media, we help shape how the physical-sciences community sees itself. 

Who you are: 

Physics Today is seeking a full-time Associate Editor with insatiable curiosity and a firm grasp of physics concepts to edit feature articles, write news stories about significant research advances and other topics, and produce other content for the magazine and online. 

Bring your passion and connect with all corners of the physical sciences, engage with some of the most prominent researchers in the field, get an inside look at new discoveries and developments, and learn something new every day. 

What you’ll do: 

Edit feature articles spanning the full gamut of physical sciences:
-Help develop feature articles that provide overviews of current research fields or topics of historical or societal importance written by experts in their fields. 

-Working closely with authors, substantively edit articles’ text, figures, and associated materials—reorganizing, rewording, and filling in gaps if needed—to maximize their appeal, clarity, and accessibility. 

Report and write news stories for the magazine and online:
-Identify and evaluate story leads about noteworthy and interesting research developments. 

-Interview experts, research the topics, and write clear, engaging, compelling stories that explain not only the results but also the context and significance. 

-Identify or develop accompanying graphics and other relevant media. 

Support other Physics Today activities: 
-Develop, pitch, edit, and review other content for Physics Today. 

-Help expand portfolio of online offerings. 

-Collaborate with other parts of AIP to develop content. 

-Assist with audience development and engagement, attend scientific meetings, and maintain broad contact with members of the physical-sciences community. 

What you’ll bring: 

-A graduate degree in physics or related field is required. A PhD is preferred. 

-Previous experience in science writing and editing is preferred. 

-Excellent command of English, both oral and written. 

-Demonstrable talent for writing and for explaining complex topics to a broad audience of scientists. 

-Knowledge of physics-related research in several subfields. 

-Ability to work well with others, both inside and outside the organization. 

-Ability to multitask, handle multiple assignments and priorities, and meet deadlines. 

Why join us: 

AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The Physics Today team works primarily remotely, with in-office collaboration at our offices in College Park, Maryland. Employees are required to reside in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC. 

We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more. 

Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work. 

To Apply: 

Include a resume, a cover letter, and a writing sample. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a full match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.  

About AIP: 

The American Institute of Physics is a dynamic, forward-thinking 501(c)(3) membership corporation of scientific societies. Our mission is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. AIP is a trusted and reliable source of information and analysis and is a center of excellence that advances the physical sciences enterprise through research and analysis aimed at improving the understanding of our heritage and promoting future progress.  

Diversity welcome! Diversity is integral to our mission and is engrained in everything that we do at AIP. We encourage and invite people of all backgrounds to apply and join our team. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, creed, marital status, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, personal appearance, national origin, ancestry, protected veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

AIP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer   
EOE, including disability/Vets 

To Apply

Follow the link below to submit an application. Interested applicants must submit a resume, a complete application, and a writing sample.

https://americaninstituteofphysics.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2bctxvrztq3