Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join The BMJ to learn journalism, edit articles, and host a student podcast.
- Company: The BMJ, a leading global healthcare knowledge provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Remote work with opportunities to visit the London office and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in medical journalism while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must be a medical student or newly qualified doctor with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30460 - 30460 £ per year.
Are you a medical student interested in learning how a medical journal is run? Do you have a passion for creating engaging content for medical students? If so, apply to be The BMJ’s next editorial scholar. The editorial scholar takes one year out of medical school to work with The BMJ’s international team of editors and lead BMJ Student, the student section of The BMJ.
In this role you will:
- Be trained in journalism and editing
- Commission, peer review, select, and edit articles
- Plan, produce, and host episodes of The BMJ’s student podcast Sharp Scratch
- Be involved with publishing the journal for print and online
- Have the opportunity to write your own articles for BMJ Student as well as other sections within The BMJ
- Maximise the potential of The BMJ’s student offering
We are particularly interested in candidates who have clinical experience and can communicate ideas effectively. You will be motivated, creative, and preferably have experience of medical or general journalism. You must be a medical student or newly qualified doctor.
The salary for this full time 12 month fixed term role is £30,460. We anticipate you will be working remotely most of the time. There will be opportunities to spend time in The BMJ London office.
Please submit the following, combined into one document:
- A covering letter (maximum 400 words) stating why you would be suitable for the position.
- Your CV.
- An outline of an idea for one Sharp Scratch episode (maximum 500 words). Please present your rationale for the episode, a bullet point plan that outlines three topics of conversation, and a suggestion for an expert guest.
- A proposal for one article aimed at medical students (maximum 300 words). State which BMJ Student article type it falls under, explain why the topic is important, relevant, and interesting to our readers, and outline what the article will cover. Please present your ideas as a bullet point plan, giving as much detail as possible within the word limit.
Please upload all documents as one single PDF. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 8th of May. We will interview shortlisted candidates by video call in May and would like the successful applicant to start in August 2026.
For further information, please contact Zaynah Khan, editorial scholar (zaynah.khan@bmj.com) or Emma Rourke, clinical editor (erourke@bmj.com).
Why work for us: Help us create a healthier world. We are a global healthcare knowledge provider. We publish The BMJ, one of the world’s 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:
- We’re committed to flexible working that supports both your needs and the requirements of the role.
- 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.
Editorial Scholar employer: BMJ
Contact Detail:
BMJ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Editorial Scholar
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know The BMJ inside out! Familiarise yourself with their content, style, and mission. This will help you tailor your ideas and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former editorial scholars and editors at The BMJ. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up on what the team is looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to present your Sharp Scratch episode idea, make it engaging and clear. Use storytelling techniques to make your proposal stand out and resonate with the audience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining The BMJ team and ready to take that next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Editorial Scholar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for medical journalism and how your experiences make you a perfect fit for the editorial scholar role. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to us at The BMJ.
Showcase Your Creativity in the Podcast Idea: When outlining your Sharp Scratch episode, let your creativity flow! Present a clear rationale and an exciting bullet point plan that showcases your ability to engage medical students. Remember, we want to see your unique perspective!
Nail the Article Proposal: For your article aimed at medical students, focus on relevance and interest. Clearly state the article type and why it matters. Use bullet points to outline your ideas, ensuring they’re detailed yet within the word limit. We love clarity!
Submit Everything as One PDF: Don’t forget to combine all your documents into a single PDF before submitting! This makes it easier for us to review your application. Double-check everything for formatting and clarity – first impressions count!
How to prepare for a job interview at BMJ
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in The BMJ’s mission and recent publications. Familiarise yourself with their student section and think about how your ideas can enhance it. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Craft Your Ideas
Prepare a solid outline for your Sharp Scratch episode and article proposal. Be ready to discuss your rationale and how your topics will engage medical students. Having clear, structured ideas will demonstrate your creativity and planning skills.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your clinical experiences and how they relate to journalism. Practising common interview questions will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for medical journalism shine through. Share personal anecdotes that highlight your motivation and creativity. Employers love candidates who are genuinely excited about the role and the impact they can make.