Join the OxSci team!
An outline of the responsibilities of each position is included further down this page, but please feel free to contact us for more information or advice on applying by emailing us at [email protected], or by messaging us on Facebook or Instagram.
Join the senior team
Senior Editorial Member Application Form
We are looking for people to work alongside the current editorial team to learn from the section editors and work alongside them in Hilary term of 2024.
We are currently looking to fill the following positions:
1 x Print Editor
1 x Junior Print Editor
1 x Opinions section editor
The Oxford Scientist publishes articles on the website as well as in the termly Print edition. Online articles fall into one of four sections: News, Features, Opinion, and Culture. The Opinion section is where we publish writers’ personal takes on topics in science, whether commentary on a recent scientific discussion, STEM culture, or more argumentative or persuasive pieces on any scientific topic. It is distinct from the Features section, which aims to report scientific research or events in a neutral way. The termly print editions are overseen by the Print Editor, with the support of (usually) two Junior Print Editors. Along with the Print Creative Director, this team produces the beautiful termly editions.
We are looking for people with previous editorial experience, strong written communication skills, and a demonstrable interest across a broad range of topics in STEM subjects. They should also have a good eye for what makes a piece work well. Some familiarity with the OxSci editorial process is a significant plus. Those who have previously sub-edited for us are particularly encouraged to apply.
We will be receiving applications until the 15th July. If you have any questions about the process, or would like some advice on what the job involves or how to apply, please contact [email protected].
We look forward to reading your application!
Write for us
We always welcome submissions for our website, via our online pitch form, while open commissions to write on specific topics can be found on our commissions page.
Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook contributors’ page, or sign up to our mailing list for the latest on how to get involved.
We particularly encourage people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and working-class candidates to get involved.
Please read through our Style Guide below before writing to the editors.
Join our editorial team
We are currently recruiting new sub-editors, sign up here if you are interested!
Design for us
To produce artwork for the website or next print edition, email Sonya ([email protected]), our new Print Creative Director 2023-2024.
Role Descriptions
Please note, only the roles listed above are currently accepting applications. The descriptions below are indicative of the normal responsibilities of each position.
Editor-in-Chief: the Editor-in-Chief oversees and manages all aspects of the Oxford Scientist, including the magazine, website, newsletter and social media. EiC is the spokesperson for the magazine, and they liaise with internal team and external stakeholders, including OSPL. As an EiC, you will liaise with the rest of the editorial and managerial team, and have have the final say on all creative and editorial decisions. For the position of EiC, previous senior editorial or managerial experience (for example, as a creative director or print editor) is recommended; experience with WordPress or InDesign is appreciated but not required.
Deputy Editor: shares responsibilities with EiC contributing to editorial work, supporting EiC in editorial and managerial duties.
Sub-Editors: Sub-editing is a great role for those starting out in student journalism, or for those with less time on their hands. As a sub-editor, you’ll be editing and potentially writing articles for the magazine and the website, working with writers to develop pitched pieces. We are looking for multiple sub-editors for a strong editorial team!
Section Editors: As section editors, you’ll be commissioning, editing, and sometimes writing the articles for our magazine and website. You’ll be working with writers to develop pitched pieces and edit submissions. The Print Editor oversees the editing process of the magazine until its publication, which includes coordination of our sub-editors and authors. The Web Editor manages the OxSci website. For senior editorial positions, previous editorial experience (for example, as a sub-editor) is recommended; experience with WordPress is appreciated but not required.
Creative Director: The main role of the Creative Director is to produce our termly magazine, through commissioning artwork, recruiting artists and helping to design the magazine themselves. Experience in any of Photoshop, InDesign, or Affinity Publisher is appreciated but not required, as there’ll be the opportunity to develop these skills on the team. Digital Creative Director leads a team of artist and produces featured designs for the online magazine.
Communications Director: The Communications Director manages OxSci’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as our mailing list, keeping our followers informed and engaged about our writing and events. We’re committed to growing our digital presence at Oxford and beyond, so this role suits anyone with strong awareness and experience with social media.
Schools Coordinator: The Schools Coordinator oversees and organises our termly School’s Writing Competition. The competition is an incredible opportunity for school students in years 10-13 to write about off-curricular science, and often enter the competition in advance of applying for universities. Our competitions have broad themes, which allow the maximal number of applicants to discuss what most interests them. The role of Schools’ Competition Coordinator involves choosing future OxSci competition themes, selecting and working with a panel of judges, and liaising with students and schools who enter the competition. To start off, you will receive guidance by our previous school’s coordinator. It’s an extremely rewarding role and provides great experience to those interested in access, science communication, and education.
Business and Marketing Director: The Business and Marketing Director oversees, organises, and manages financials related to printing, distributing, and marketing The Oxford Scientist magazine. The role involves liaising with Oxford Student Publications Limited (OSPL) and supporting the rest of the team with planning and running events, such as talks with invited speakers and magazine launches.