Description

Associate Editor, PRB

Who we are:

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.
 

Position Summary:
 

Do you have a passion for Condensed matter and Materials physics and want to be part of shaping its future? Are you excited by the prospect of selecting outstanding research for publication and engaging with leading scientists worldwide? Join us as an Associate Editor for Physical Review B.

This is an ideal opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher or experienced scientist with strong expertise in condensed matter and materials physics (experience in areas such as quantum materials, nanoscale and topological phenomena or AI-driven materials discovery is especially welcome) and excellent communication skills. Prior editorial experience is not required—we value your research background and understanding of the peer-review process as an author and referee.

APS has a “remote first” concept that promotes equal treatment and equal access within the United States, independent of physical work location, with a majority of staff working primarily from remote work locations. APS values diversity and welcomes candidates from a variety of backgrounds. APS offers a dynamic work environment with an outstanding total compensation package, including salary, outstanding benefits, and excellent paid time off.
 
Responsibilities:

Editorial:

• Evaluate the scientific content and impact of manuscripts in a critical and independent manner, managing all aspects of peer review.
• Decide to editorially reject or proceed with peer review, based on the journal's acceptance criteria and scope.
• Maintain impeccable ethical standards and fairness at all editorial stages.
• Actively participate in everyday journal initiatives, such as highlighting and attracting top content.
• Actively contribute to high-level editorial strategies and engage with Editorial Board members.
• Participate in editorial and cross-departmental projects to meet and support the goals of APS.

Outreach:

• Represent the journals and the APS as a whole at scientific conferences, and give presentations. The ability to travel internationally is desirable.
• Interact with key researchers and groups at pertinent laboratories and institutions, or through social media.
• Actively engage and develop strong relationships and trust with a broad network of researchers from academia and industry.

Technical:

• Ensure that Physical Review standards for quality, general style guidelines, and technical matters are maintained, by communicating with authors, internal support staff, and external vendors.
• Use tools to conduct, analyze, and enhance the peer-review process.

 
Education: 

• A PhD is required in Physics or adjacent areas.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• A minimum of one year of postdoctoral experience in condensed matter and materials physics.
• Published in major journals within the scope of Physical Review B.
• Proven referee experience in the topical areas of Physical Review B.
• Excellent knowledge of the scientific literature in condensed matter and materials physics, existing research groups in the area of coverage, and acute awareness of current developments.
• Passion for learning and sharing research in all fields covered by the journal.
• A strong sense of integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to make independent decisions and evaluations.
• The ability to apply journal policies and practices and make sound editorial judgments.
   

Travel:  
 

This role involves occasional travel, approximately up to 10%, for meetings with APS staff, departmental gatherings, and interactions with colleagues in the Long Island, NY, Washington, DC and College Park, MD areas. Additionally, the position requires world-wide travel to attend conferences and events, and to interact with researchers at their institutions and universities.

Salary:  

The salary range for this position takes into account various factors influencing compensation decisions, such as skill sets, experience, training, and other business and organizational requirements. The salary listed within the specified ranges considers relevant experience. Our compensation philosophy at APS aims to maintain salaries at the midpoint of the market. As a result, we typically hire within the target starting range. Exceptional, rare cases may merit reviews above target starting range for specialized or niche skills aligned with strategic operational goals.

Hiring Range: $83,041/year - $113,143/year (USD)

Target Starting Range: $83,041/year - $92,382/year (USD)