At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Publishing Team with administrative tasks for biomedical journals.
- Company: BMJ is a global healthcare knowledge provider, publishing impactful medical journals.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work, gym discounts, generous pension contributions, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Gain insights into the academic journal industry while contributing to meaningful healthcare solutions.
- Qualifications: Relevant experience in publishing, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion, with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 42000 Β£ per year.
Contract: 12 Months Fixed Term
Location: London, Hybrid
Application Closing Date: Friday 30th May 2025
In this hybrid role, you will support colleagues from the Publishing Team with administrative tasks related to the publication of a portfolio of leading biomedical journals. As a vital member of the team, you will bring structure and order to core publishing processes, providing the crucial back office support that enables the busy team to deliver their objectives. You will have the opportunity to be engaged in project work, gain a greater understanding of the academic journal industry more widely, and develop knowledge and skills to enable you to progress in your publishing career.
Job Purpose
The Publishing Assistant provides support across a large portfolio of specialist biomedical journals. This role is an essential part of the wider Publishing Team and involves assisting the Head of Portfolio, Senior Publisher, Publishers and Publishing Executive. This is a varied and busy role that requires excellent organisational, administrative and communication skills. Duties are wide-ranging, but include:
- Research and data collection to aid journal development across the portfolio.
- Maintaining and updating journal records, finances, information files and websites.
- Organising and attending meetings.
Main Responsibilities
- Financial administration: Process supplier invoices based on payment schedules. Keep payment files up to date and handle confidential information in line with regulations. Ensure all payments relating to meetings are accounted for.
- Journal data and desk research: Collate regular and ad hoc data for general reporting, meeting reports and strategic development plans. Research competitors and landscape information to support new initiatives.
- Meeting management: Arrange suitable meeting dates with all attendees. Coordinate meeting logistics including videoconferencing, catering, reception passes, travel and accommodation. Attend and take meeting minutes when required.
- Editorial team administration: Maintain editorial board lists and conflict of interest statements on internal systems. Ensure new team members are set up appropriately. Keep websites up to date with team changes. Notify other departments of changes.
- Website maintenance: Update website information as required by the Publishing Team.
- Social and multimedia management: Assist external editors with organising interviews. Upload new podcasts, videos and blog posts as required.
- Other: Cover for the departmental Publishing Administrator or Publishing Team members when required. Participate in ad hoc Publishing Team projects.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- Relevant experience in a scholarly publishing environment is desirable.
- Proficient in standard software packages, such as Microsoft Office or Google Suite; basic web skills desirable (e.g. WordPress).
- Ability to research information independently.
- Ability to prioritise workload.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Self-motivated and results-focused.
Why work for us
Help us create a healthier world. We are a global healthcare knowledge provider. We publish The BMJ, one of the worldβs most impactful medical journals and over 70 influential speciality journals. We offer digital tools to help health professionals worldwide tackle critical healthcare challenges.
Flexible Work and Workplace Perks
- Flexible work available to all employees: Remote first; Core hours; 9-day fortnight.
- Discounted onsite gym and fitness classes.
- Generous double-matching employer pension contribution, up to 12%.
- Discounted dental and travel insurance.
- Seven x salary life assurance cover and a generous income protection package.
- Discounted gym membership, cycle-to-work and season ticket loan.
- Discounts for retail and leisure products through yourReward.
Work-life balance and wellbeing
- Twenty-five days holiday + bank holidays + a BMJ Day off.
- Additional holiday through long service; buy up to 5 additional days.
- Leave for moving house, volunteering or getting married.
- Concierge service.
- Seniorcare by Lottie.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are not buzzwords to us, but fundamental company priorities. We believe that a diverse workforce brings unique strengths and insights, enabling us to better serve our customers and drive positive change in our industry. If you are from an under-represented or historically marginalised community, we are particularly interested in hearing from you. Join our employee-led networks focusing on Gender, Race and Cultural Diversity, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health and Well-being, Parents and Carers and Age.
Disability Confident Committed employer.
Learning & Development
Career Coaching Opportunities to pursue professional development. Strengths-based development.
Publishing Assistant employer: BMJ Group
Contact Detail:
BMJ Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Publishing Assistant
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the biomedical publishing landscape. Research BMJ's portfolio of journals and understand their focus areas, as this will help you speak knowledgeably about their work during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the publishing industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with people who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities at BMJ.
β¨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your organisational and administrative skills. Since the role involves managing multiple tasks, consider using tools like Trello or Asana to demonstrate your ability to prioritise and manage workloads effectively.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising your responses to common scenarios in publishing. Think about how you would handle data collection, meeting coordination, and communication with team members.
We think you need these skills to ace Publishing Assistant
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in publishing or administrative roles. Emphasise skills like organisation, communication, and attention to detail, as these are crucial for the Publishing Assistant position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for publishing and your understanding of the biomedical field. Mention specific experiences that relate to the job description, such as managing data or coordinating meetings.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency with software tools like Microsoft Office or Google Suite. If you have basic web skills, such as using WordPress, be sure to mention them as they are desirable for this role.
Show Enthusiasm for the Company: Demonstrate your interest in BMJ by mentioning their impact on healthcare and your desire to contribute to their mission. This can set you apart from other candidates who may not express a genuine interest in the company.
How to prepare for a job interview at BMJ Group
β¨Know the Publishing Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the academic journal industry, especially in biomedical publishing. Research BMJ's portfolio and understand their key publications. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
β¨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires excellent organisational abilities, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised your workload and maintained attention to detail.
β¨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked about how you would handle meeting logistics or communicate with team members, so have relevant examples ready.
β¨Show Enthusiasm for Teamwork
As a Publishing Assistant, you'll be part of a team. Express your enthusiasm for collaboration and teamwork during the interview. Share experiences where you contributed to a team project or supported colleagues, highlighting your ability to work well with others.