Job Description

Physics and/or Environment Features Editor

Location: New Scientist Headquarters, Derry Street, HSK, London, W8 5HY

Position: Full Time or Part Time/Permanent/Hybrid – 3 days per week in the office, 2 working from home

Closing date: Tuesday 1st December 2026

About the role

We are looking for a talented science journalist to join our expert team of features editors. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with experience covering physical science and/or the environment and will consider editors wishing to work on a full-time or part-time basis. The successful candidate will commission and edit world-class longform reads on and around their specialist subject beat(s). They will report to our Head of Features.

To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter briefly highlighting your 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 physics and/or the environment
• 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
• Contribute 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 physical sciences and/or the environment, 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

Package Description

Our benefits package increases the longer you’ve been with us. Here’s what to expect:

• 25 days’ holiday (increasing by 1 per year up to a total of 30)
• Pension plan and life cover
• Discounts on online shopping, dining cards and vouchers, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Onsite gym, subsidised canteen and onsite nurse and GP clinics

Plus much more...

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.