Associate Editor, Quantum Science and Technologies

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:

Are you an expert in quantum information with a passion for advancing science and scientific publishing? We are looking for a highly motivated and knowledgeable individual to join the editorial teams of PRX Quantum and Physical Review A.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone at the postdoctoral level (or beyond) with deep expertise in quantum information and outstanding communication skills. As an editor, you will play a key role in shaping the direction and quality of publications in a rapidly evolving field.

You will be at the forefront of evaluating cutting-edge research, overseeing a rigorous peer-review process, engaging with the global scientific community, and helping to define what’s next for quantum publishing.

PRX Quantum is a high-impact, fully open-access journal publishing top research across all areas of quantum science and technology. Physical Review A is a long-standing, trusted source for significant developments in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, as well as quantum science.

While your primary appointment will be with PRX Quantum, this is a shared position with Physical Review A, and contributions to both journals will be essential. The portfolio may evolve as community needs and journal priorities shift, offering opportunities for growth and expanded impact.

Well-qualified candidates from all areas of quantum science and technology will be considered, but expertise in quantum error correction is a plus. Prior editorial experience is not required; however, demonstrated familiarity with the peer-review process as an author and referee is necessary.

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, Engineering, or Computer Science.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

– A minimum of one year of postdoctoral experience in quantum information science and technology.
– Published in major journals within the scope of PRX Quantum.
– Proven referee experience in the topical areas of PRX Quantum.
– Excellent knowledge of the scientific literature in quantum information, existing research groups in the area of coverage, and acute awareness of current developments.
– Passion for learning and sharing research in quantum information.
– A strong sense of integrity.
– Excellent interpersonal, and organizational skills.
– The 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: $81,060/year – $110,384/year (USD)

Target Starting Range: $81,060/year – $90,130/year (USD)