Job Title: Associate Editor, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications
Location: Shanghai, Beijing – hybrid working model
Closing date: 11th June 2026, candidates will be considered as they apply.
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 @SpringerNature.
About The Role
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications is a broad-scope research journal published by Springer Nature. Online and open access, the journal publishes original research arising in and between all areas of the humanities, social and behavioral sciences. With the support of external Editorial Board Members, papers undergo rigorous peer-reviewed to ensure they meet the journal’s criteria for publication.
As an Associate you will support the Chief Editor in managing the Editorial Board and editorial decision-making processes across the journal, and work with the wider publishing team to oversee the editorial workflow and peer-review process. Key performance indicators efficient publication, robust peer-review practices, and high levels of service to staff, authors, reviewers, readers and Editorial Board Members (EBMs). This is a fantastic opportunity for somebody with a passion for the humanities and/or social sciences to break into an editorial career on a fast-growing, multi- and interdisciplinary journal.
While we welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds across all areas of the humanities, and social and behavioural sciences, we particularly encourage those with expertise in linguistics, economics and sociology.
Role Responsibilities:
* Assist in the daily management of the journal workflow, with the objective of providing rapid, constructive peer-review and publication decisions
* Respond to authors, reviewers, EBMs, and readers in a timely fashion
* Work with the publishing team in the allocation of manuscripts to EBMs
* Liaise with EBMs on an ongoing basis to follow up on peer review and final decisions, ensuring decision policies are adhered to at all times by EBMs
* Resolve pre- and post- publication issues raised by staff, EBMs and readers (e.g. authorship, scope, ethics and consent, misconduct), including communication with authors and other stakeholders
* Support editorial and journal development activities
* Provide input into policy development initiatives and implement editorial policy as required
* Establish and maintain relationships with EBMs, including supporting initiatives to further improve engagement
* Manage recruitment and training of new EBMs where required
* Be an active member of the Springer Nature editorial community, engaging with editorial colleagues on other journals and driving collaboration on projects as necessary
Experience, Skills & Qualifications:
Essential
* PhD-level or equivalent research experience in a relevant area (humanities, social sciences or behavioral sciences, or related interdisciplinary area)
* Understanding of scholarly journal publishing and of the academic research community and its needs
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
* Interest in the fields covered by the journal's scope in general and the ability to identify trends in academic research
* Highly self-motivated, resourceful and achievement-oriented with an adaptable and flexible approach
* Solid analytical and problem-solving skills
* Strong workload management and organizational skills
* Active, supportive team player
* Willingness to travel occasionally, if required
Desirable
Experience in academic book or journal publishing is preferred
SN-Being Resilient, SN-Collaboration, SN-Communicates Effectively, SN-Critical Scientific Evaluation, SN-Decision Quality, SN-Interpersonal Awareness, SN-Manuscript Assessment, SN-Operational Excellence, SN-Publishing Workflows & Systems, SN-Scientific & Academic Writing, SN-Scientific Comprehension
At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion
For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/
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Job Posting End Date:
12-06-2026Skills Required
- PhD-level or equivalent research experience in a relevant area (humanities, social sciences or behavioral sciences)
- Understanding of scholarly journal publishing and academic research community
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Interest in fields covered by the journal's scope
- Highly self-motivated and adaptable
- Solid analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong workload management and organizational skills
- Active, supportive team player
- Travel occasionally, if required
What We Do
Research and learning are the cornerstones of progress, which is why we open doors to discovery for our communities, enabling millions of researchers, clinicians, educators and other professionals to access, trust and make sense of the latest insights. Springer Nature is an ambitious and dynamic organisation. For over 180 years our imprints, books, journals, platforms, and technology solutions have been a trusted source of knowledge to our communities. Today, more than ever, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that fundamental knowledge can be found, verified, understood, and used, ensuring that the world continues to make progress, improving and enriching lives and helping to protect our planet for future generations. Global key facts: Established for over 180 years Nearly 10,000 colleagues 200 offices in 45 countries on all continents World’s largest academic book publisher Publisher of Nature, the world’s most influential journal First company to publish more than 1 million Open Access articles Key brands and imprints: Springer Nature is home to some of the best-known names in research, health, educational and professional publishing. Every day, around the globe, our brands reach millions of people. Nature Springer BMC Palgrave Macmillan Apress Macmillan Education Scientific American Springer Healthcare Springer Medizin Research Square J.B. Metzler BSL Adis
