Job description
Features Editor (beat specialist)
Location: New Scientist Headquarters – London
Position: Full-time, permanent
Workplace Type: Hybrid - 3 days per week at: 9 Derry Street, Kensington, London, W8 5HY
Closing date: 19th November 2025
Job Introduction
We are looking for a talented science journalist to join our expert features team. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with experience in the subjects of evolution, ecology, human sciences and biology, although applicants with different specialisms (for example physics, space or environmental science) will also be considered.
The successful candidate will commission and edit world-class features and longform reads on and around their specialist subject beat. They will report to our Head of Features. This is a full-time role and will require working three days a week in our London office.
To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter briefly highlighting relevant experience. The cover letter should also include three original features ideas (1 to 2 paragraphs per idea) that would be suitable for the features sections of New Scientist in print and online.
Main Responsibilities
Find, develop, commission and edit timely and compelling features for online and in print
Build contacts with freelance writers and scientists to make sure we are commissioning the best, most up-to-date science features on your specialist subjects
Collaborate with design, art, multimedia and audience teams to maximise the impact of your features across all channels
Attend conferences in the UK and abroad, hunting for ideas
Contributing to other editorial sections of New Scientist, such as podcasts, videos, comment, book reviews and live events, as required
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
A brilliant storyteller
Excellent knowledge of a large science specialism (such as biology, human sciences or physics), including the latest research trends and big questions
A track record writing or editing journalistic science features or longform
Some editing experience (must be journalism, not academic publishing or marketing content)
Experience working with or for national or international journalism brands
A passion for high quality science journalism
A good understanding of digital journalism and producing premium content for digital audiences
Desirable
- A degree in a STEM subject is desirable but not essential
SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS
Excellent writing and editing skills
Enjoys coming up with new ideas
Appreciates the art of storytelling and crafting a narrative
Holds themselves and their work to high standards
Collaborative and communicative, enjoys working with a team
Good interpersonal skills, able to get the best out of writers and nurture new talent
ABOUT NEW SCIENTIST
New Scientist is a magazine brand for the insatiably curious, asking the big-picture questions about life, the universe and what it means to be human. From artificial intelligence to climate change, the latest innovations in health to the mysteries of quantum physics and the human mind, New Scientist covers the ideas and discoveries that matter.
Since our publication was founded in 1956 for “all those interested in scientific discovery and its social consequences”, it has expanded to include newsletters, videos, podcasts, holidays and live events. Our headquarters are in London, UK, and we also have staff in the US and Australia.
WORKING FOR NEW SCIENTIST
New Scientist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applications to New Scientist will receive due consideration regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.
Our benefits package increases the longer you’ve been with us. Here’s what to expect:
- 29 days’ holiday
- Upon joining you will be automatically enrolled onto the Pension Plan at the minimum level of 5% employee contribution, 4% Company contribution.
- Life cover under the Pension Plan of up to 4x your basic salary.
- DMGT Discounts (for discounts on online shopping, vouchers and reloadable cards)
- Subsidised canteen
- Onsite gym (Northcliffe House only)
- Onsite nurse and GP clinics (Northcliffe House only)
- Our Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted dining cards
- Private Medical Insurance – Bupa
- Flexible Working policy
- Free gym membership at Northcliffe House Gym
- Eye care assistance
- Family Friendly policies
- Employee Assistance Support
- Access to the magazine
- Access to newscientist.com, New Scientist app
- Invites to NS Events
Plus many other benefits….
Our Commitment
We are committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability.
We are Disability Confident Committed. Please let us know if you require any recruitment documentation in other formats or if you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process. Please be assured that any such information will be held separately to your recruitment application and will not be considered as part of the selection process.
