Senior Editor, Biology, Quanta Magazine

POSITION SUMMARY Quanta is seeking a senior-level editor to contribute to the magazine’s award-winning biology coverage. Reporting to the Deputy Editor, this editor will be tasked with finding the most exciting developments in the world of fundamental life sciences and sharing them with our global audience. The senior editor will also regularly collaborate on the development of artwork, graphics, videos and other multimedia features. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished science journalist, a superb editor with impeccable news judgment, and a diehard advocate for the highest standards in journalism and scientific accuracy. This is a full-time position based in our offices in New York City. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES Contribute to Quanta’s journalistic coverage of biology research from initial story ideas and pitches through the editorial, design and production process. Assign and edit news items and feature articles that explore advances and other issues in the life sciences, including genomics, neuroscience, evolution, cell biology, mathematical biology, ecological modeling and other fields. (Topics in medical sciences and biotechnology generally fall outside Quanta’s coverage except in so far as they relate to fundamental new insights into biology.) Manage a staff writer who covers biology. Collaborate with art team on artwork, photos, graphics, videos and multimedia. Recruit, manage and coach freelance contributors. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS At least five years of editorial experience covering science for established publications. Additional experience reporting on or editing other topics and content types is a plus. Must be passionate about biology and biology-related disciplines, with a demonstrated awareness of current developments in the field. Experience managing or supervising at least 1 staff member is preferred. Must be comfortable writing and/or editing news and feature articles under Web deadlines and be fluent in the best print editing standards and online conventions. Must be detail-oriented and organized, and demonstrate command of the highest standards of written English. Must be an excellent communicator and team player who thrives in a collaborative setting. Basic familiarity with WordPress is desirable, as is familiarity with Web metrics, social media and SEO. REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS Resume Cover letter describing your interest in the position Five samples demonstrating your writing or editing work COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $120,000 – $140,000, depending on experience. In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package. ABOUT QUANTA Quanta Magazine is an award-winning, editorially independent online publication launched by the Simons Foundation to enhance public understanding of science. Our reporters and editors focus on developments in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science and the basic life sciences, with an emphasis on delivering timely, accurate, in-depth and well-crafted articles for our broad, discerning audience. Quanta was awarded a 2022 Pulitzer Prize in explanatory reporting and a 2020 National Magazine Award for general excellence. Quanta has syndication partnerships with Wired, The Atlantic and other publications, has published two books (Alice and Bob Meet the Wall of Fire and The Prime Number Conspiracy) and our articles have been translated into several languages. The Simons Foundation’s Diversity Commitment Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. The Simons Foundation is a private foundation established in 1994 in New York City by Jim and Marilyn Simons. With an annual grants and programs budget of $450 million, the foundation’s mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences. The foundation pursues its mission through its grant-making division, comprising programs in Mathematics & Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Education & Outreach and autism research, and through its internal research division, the Flatiron Institute. The Mathematics & Physical Sciences program supports work in mathematics, theoretical computer science and theoretical physics. The Life Sciences program works to advance basic research in life sciences, with, among other efforts, large grant programs in ocean ecology and in the origins of life. The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is a campaign that aims to improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of autism by funding innovative research of the highest quality and relevance. SFARI also supports the editorially independent autism research news site Spectrum. In 2016, the foundation launched the Flatiron Institute (FI), a multidisciplinary institute whose mission is to advance scientific research through computational methods, including data analysis, modeling and simulation. The FI hosts scientists and collaborating expert programmers who work to create, deploy and support new state-of-the-art computational methods. Outreach & Education supports and promotes scientific literacy in society generally. Specifically, the program supports the nonprofit Math for America and the independent science news site, Quanta Magazine. This program’s Science Sandbox initiative seeks to unlock scientific thinking in all people, so that science becomes a more integral part of culture. SALARY AND BENEFITS In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package. SIMONS FOUNDATION'S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. E-VERIFY Simons Foundation participates in E-Verify. Learn more here.