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- Tasks: Join our team to commission and edit captivating science features.
- Company: New Scientist explores groundbreaking ideas in science and technology since 1956.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, private healthcare, and a subsidised canteen.
- Why this job: Perfect for aspiring science journalists eager to make an impact in storytelling.
- Qualifications: Experience in writing science features; editing experience is a plus.
- Other info: Applications close on 18 March 2025; bring your creativity and passion!
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: New Scientist Headquarters – 9 Derry Street, Kensington, London, W8 5HY
Position: 6-month FTC
Workplace Type: Hybrid/3 days per week in office at the following address: 9 Derry Street, Kensington, London, W8 5HY
Salary range: ÂŁ35-45k per annum pro rata (DoE)
Job Introduction
We are looking for a talented science journalist to join our features team for 6 months. The successful candidate will commission and edit world-class features and longform reads on the most fascinating and impactful science ideas and discoveries. For this role, we are seeking a journalist with experience writing science features, and ideally some experience of editing. The successful candidate will be full of ideas, have high editorial standards, and be a collaborative worker. Candidates would ideally have a scientific background (such as a degree), but this isn’t essential.
Main Responsibilities
- Seeking out, developing and pitching features ideas
- Commissioning both in-house reporters and external freelancers
- Editing 8 to 10 features throughout the duration of the contract
- Collaborating with design, art, video and audience teams to get the most from each feature both in print and online
- Contributing to other editorial sections of New Scientist, as required
Person Specification
We are looking for someone who loves science features journalism and is looking to build their experience in this area and learn how features work at New Scientist. This is not an entry level role for someone with no experience of journalism but would be a good next step for an early career science journalist or a sideways move for an established journalist wanting to further develop their science and features skills.
Essential knowledge and experience
- Experience writing science features or longform
- Bylines published by national or international journalism brands
- Excellent knowledge of at least one scientific specialism, and the latest research within it
- A passion for high quality science journalism
- The ability to write clearly for a general interest audience while delving into relevant scientific detail with rigour
Desirable knowledge and experience
- Some editing experience (journalism, not academic publishing)
- A degree in a STEM subject
- Some training in journalism – NCTJ qualification, masters degree, internship, on-the-job training or other
Key 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
- Willingness to learn, and the ability to learn by doing
Deadline for applications: 18 March 2025
Package Description
- 14.5 days holiday over the 6 month contract
- Access to private healthcare scheme (Bupa) with the option to add your dependents through a monthly salary deduction.
- Automatic enrolled onto our New Scientist Pension scheme at the minimum level of 5% employee contribution and 4% Company contribution.
- Immediate death in service cover of 4x your basic salary
- Free mental health, legal and financial advice and assistance at any time for you and your family with our Employee Assistance Programme with CIC.
- Subsidised canteen
- Onsite gym
- Onsite nurse and GP clinics
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, courses 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.
Features Editor employer: New Scientist Limited
Contact Detail:
New Scientist Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Features Editor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with New Scientist's style and tone. Read through their recent features to understand what they value in storytelling and how they present complex scientific ideas to a general audience.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of New Scientist. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your feature ideas in detail. Think about how you would pitch them, including angles that align with New Scientist's mission to explore impactful science topics.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with teams in the past, especially in editorial settings, as this role requires strong teamwork.
We think you need these skills to ace Features Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in science journalism, particularly any features or longform writing. Include relevant bylines and any editing experience you may have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also outline your ideas for three features. Each idea should be concise, engaging, and demonstrate your understanding of current scientific topics.
Showcase Your Ideas: When presenting your feature ideas, ensure they are original and relevant to New Scientist's audience. Focus on how these ideas can contribute to the magazine's mission of exploring impactful science discoveries.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors to ensure your application reflects your high editorial standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Scientist Limited
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous work in science journalism. Bring examples of your published features or longform articles, and be ready to explain your writing process and how you approach complex scientific topics.
✨Pitch Feature Ideas
Since the role requires commissioning and editing features, come prepared with three feature ideas that align with New Scientist's focus. Make sure these ideas are well thought out and demonstrate your understanding of current scientific trends.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with different teams, such as design and video. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on projects in the past, as teamwork is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Science Journalism
Express your enthusiasm for science features and your commitment to high-quality journalism. Discuss what excites you about the field and how you stay updated on the latest research and developments in your areas of interest.
