Science Editor | American Society of Plant Biologists

Nationwide, SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Science Editor provides leadership for ASPB’s science communication and early-career publishing initiatives, serving as the primary project manager of the Assistant Features Editor (AFE) programs for  Plant Physiology  and The Plant Cell . This position plays a critical role in developing the next generation of plant science communicators by leading training programs, mentoring authors, and fostering excellence in scientific storytelling across ASPB publications and content platforms.
Working closely with Editors-in-Chief, editorial boards, Plantae Fellows, and ASPB staff, the incumbent ensures that the AFE programs remain strategically aligned with journal and ASPB objectives while supporting the broader mission of advancing plant science communication. The position serves as a subject matter expert across plant biology, contributes to journal initiatives such as Focus Collections, and helps cultivate high-quality content that engages the global plant science community. Through this work, this role strengthens ASPB’s publishing program, expands the Society’s pipeline of skilled science communicators and future journal editors, and reinforces ASPB’s reputation as a trusted source of authoritative, high-quality plant science research content. This role also helps to extend the reach and impact of ASPB’s journals and content platforms, supporting deeper engagement with Society members and authors, and coordinates related editorial programming, webinar activity, and recurring science communication initiatives.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assistant Features Editor Program Leadership

Lead and manage the Assistant Features Editor (AFE) programs for Plant Physiology  and  The Plant Cell .
Coordinate the annual recruitment for each AFE cohort, including application intake, anonymized review, review coordination, scoring, ranking, reference checks, and cohort placement.
Develop and maintain program goals, expectations, training materials, and performance standards.
Work closely with Editors-in-Chief to ensure the AFE programs provide strategic value to the journals and support long-term publishing objectives.
Conduct regular check-ins with AFEs and provide individualized editorial coaching and professional development support.
Monitor program outcomes and recommend enhancements to improve participant experience and journal impact.
Develop, track, and report on key performance indicators for the AFE program, including participation, content production, engagement, and professional outcomes, as well as impact for the journals.
Coordinate and oversee AFE activities at ASPB meetings and events, including orientation sessions, networking opportunities, workshops, and content initiatives.
Identify and pursue opportunities to increase engagement among AFEs, editorial boards, authors, and the broader plant science community to elevate the visibility of ASPB, its journals, AFEs, and the AFE programs.
Manage the day-to-day editorial workflow for the AFE assignments, submissions, decisions, and follow-up in ASPB’s manuscript management system, shared spreadsheets, and related project tools.
Balance AFE workloads across editors and terms, taking into account prior assignments, timing, and vacation schedules.
Maintain accurate records of assignments, decisions, and manuscript status across internal tracking systems.
Provide ongoing support to AFEs, including answering questions, troubleshooting editorial issues, and advising on publication-related concerns.
Prepare and distribute onboarding materials and guidance documents for newly appointed AFEs.

Science Communication Training and Mentorship

Design and lead science communication workshops, webinars, and training programs for AFEs, Plantae Fellows, and other early-career researchers.
Mentor participants in effective scientific writing, storytelling, interviewing, and digital communication techniques.
Provide individualized coaching and professional development opportunities that strengthen science communication skills.
Develop educational resources that support ASPB’s commitment to fostering the next generation of science communicators.
Support early-career contributors in producing clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate scientific content.

Editorial Review, Content Development, and Scientific Expertise

Monitor trends in plant science research and science communication and recommend opportunities for content development and journal engagement.
Edit, review, and provide constructive feedback on articles, blog posts, interviews, research summaries, and other science communication content.
Ensure content meets high standards for scientific accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and that it is engaging.
Guide authors through revisions while supporting their growth as science communicators.
Collaborate with ASPB staff and volunteers to develop content that advances journal visibility and author engagement.
Serve as a subject matter expert across broad areas of plant biology and plant science research.
Represent ASPB’s commitment to excellence in scientific communication and professional development.
Edit review, and manage News and Views, In Briefs, research summaries, and related commentary content from submission through final acceptance, and maintain awareness of manuscript status and publication timing so that related content is released appropriately.
Coordinate editorial review and revision cycles with other editors, reviewers, and contributing authors.
Ensure manuscripts are held or advanced according to publication status and editorial policy requirements.

Plantae and Community Engagement

Participate in the development and growth of ASPB’s Plantae content platform.
Lead and mentor Plantae Fellows in producing high-quality scientific content and developing professional communication skills.
Support content initiatives that connect researchers, educators, students, and the broader plant science community.
Identify opportunities to expand engagement and strengthen the visibility of ASPB journals and programs.
Represent ASPB journals and science communication programs at conferences, workshops, and professional development events.
Support Plant Science Research Weekly and similar recurring content initiatives as assigned.
Coordinate with staff and external partners to support related web, blog, and digital content updates.
Represent ASPB and its journals in a professional, responsive, and collaborative manner with contributors, editors, and community members.

CORE  QUALIFICATIONS

PhD in Plant Biology, Plant Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Crop Science, Ecology, or a related field.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex scientific concepts across multiple sub-disciplines within the plant sciences and to diverse audiences.
Experience as a reviewer or editor for a scientific journal.
Experience in science communication, academic editing, journalism, or related fields.
Experience mentoring, teaching, training, or supervising students, researchers, or early-career professionals.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, navigate competing priorities, and proactively engage stakeholders and senior leaders to maintain alignment, support timely decisions, and ensure follow-through.
Ability to provide constructive editorial feedback that supports professional growth and skill development.
Experience facilitating workshops, webinars, training programs, or educational initiatives.
Ability to build productive working relationships with editors, authors, reviewers, volunteers, staff, and Society leadership, including the confidence and judgment to proactively advise senior leaders, clarify expectations, address competing priorities, and drive decisions and accountability.
Demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming and equitable environment, with the ability to build productive working relationships and communicate effectively and respectfully with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives.

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit the following materials as a single PDF via the application site :

Cover letter (one page maximum)
Resume
Work samples demonstrating relevant experience if applicable

Important: The applicant tracking system might require you to combine your files into one document. You can submit various files if the applicant track system allows it; otherwise, please combine your documents into one file.  Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered .
Your cover letter should concisely address how your professional experience, leadership capabilities, and background align with the requirements of this position. Please ensure your work samples showcase skills relevant to editorial management, such as process documentation, training materials, editorial correspondence, or strategic reports.
States and District Where We Accept Applications

Maryland
District of Columbia
Virginia
Colorado
Florida
Pennsylvania

  BENEFITS
-Healthcare: 90% employer paid healthcare plan
-Dental and Vision: 100% employer paid dental and vision plan
-Retirement: 8% employer paid 403(b) retirement plan, plus an additional 2% matching
-Annual Leave: Two weeks paid vacation in your first year
-Sick Leave: 10 days paid sick leave
-Holidays: 11 paid holidays
-Flexible Spending Accounts for childcare and health care
-Flexible work schedule
-Family leave
-Life insurance
-Long and short-term disability and wellness

REMOTE WORK
All of our employees will continue to work remotely until further notice.