Features Editor – 6 month FTC

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.

To apply: Please attach a CV and cover letter, which should include ideas for three features (maximum 1-2 paragraphs per idea).

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

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