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- Tasks: Support the editorial team in managing peer reviews and journal operations.
- Company: Join the British Ecological Society, a leading global ecology community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a 4-day work week option.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant office near a canal with great team activities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in scientific publishing while making a real impact in ecology.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a passion for ecology.
The predicted salary is between 30500 - 30500 £ per year.
Publishing Assistant (12-month fixed-term contract)
Salary: £30,500
Reports to: Senior Assistant Editor
Application closing date: Wednesday 8 April
Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy subject to a high volume of suitable applications.
Purpose of job: Administrative support across the journal portfolio in managing the peer review process and in the general running of the editorial offices.
Interview Date: Wednesday 29 April
About us: The British Ecological Society (BES) was the first ecology society to be established anywhere in the world. We are now one of the biggest scientific societies for ecologists, with a membership of over 7,000 across 125 countries. We foster the study of ecology and support the ecology community at all stages of their careers through our journals, meetings, grants, and education and policy work. Our vision is for nature and people to thrive in a world inspired by ecology.
About you: We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to join our friendly publishing team at the British Ecological Society (BES) and support the team in the general running of the BES’ portfolio of ecology journals. You’ll be looking to build a career in scientific publishing and be eager to learn from a team of internal colleagues and external academic editors. You’ll enjoy staying on top of a range of tasks and be great at working independently and as part of a busy team. You’ll have excellent attention to detail and be effective, friendly, and customer-oriented in your email communications. The successful candidate will become part of a team seeking to excite and inspire our various audiences in ecology at a time when our science has never been more relevant for society.
About the role: Working across the BES journal portfolio, the Publishing Assistant will:
- Check in new submissions of scientific papers to ensure that manuscripts are complete and authors have adhered to journal policies before passing manuscripts on to Editors for content evaluation.
- In collaboration with the editorial team, monitor progress on manuscripts in the submission system to identify and help resolve potential bottlenecks in peer review.
- Assist in managing the journal inboxes, dealing with straightforward manuscript-related messages from authors, reviewers and external editors.
- Ensure that accurate records are maintained in the submission system on the processing of all manuscripts.
- Carry out post-acceptance checks on manuscripts and liaise with production team when requested, particularly during periods of annual leave for editorial office colleagues.
- Assist in regular performance statistics reporting across the journal portfolio.
- The post holder will also have some opportunity to learn about other aspects of editorial office management, including journal development and marketing and support promotion of articles via social media accounts and press releases.
Essential:
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to organise time and prioritise tasks effectively
- Adaptable, with good interpersonal skills
- Ability to communicate information clearly both face‑to‑face and in writing
- Capacity to work both independently and within a team
- Experience with MS office products and, ideally, content management systems and databases
- Understanding of, and familiarity with, social media and other digital publishing tools
- Education to degree level (or equivalent)
- An interest in a career in STM journals publishing
Desirable:
- An interest in ecological science
- A degree in a relevant subject area
Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Successful applicants will need to provide evidence that they have the right to live and work in the UK. The BES is unable to provide visa sponsorship and unable to hire anyone living outside the UK.
To apply: Please follow the link below to apply for this role, providing your CV and a covering letter detailing why you are suitable for the role, along with answering the application question. We would also value your time in completing a short EDI survey following your application. This survey is anonymous and plays no bearing in your application, but helps our work in making sure our recruitment is inclusive and diverse.
4-day week: The BES offer a voluntary, opt‑in 4‑day working week model for all full‑time staff. Staff who opt‑in may work 32 hours over 4 or 4.5 days at no loss of salary.
Leave: Employees receive 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 each year to a maximum of 30 days, plus additional leave between Christmas and New Years. The BES also offers a generous paid sick leave policy.
Pension: The BES contributes the equivalent of 8% of your annual salary into a sustainable pension fund. You are welcome to top this up at with your salary at your own discretion.
Well‑being: The Society runs monthly well‑being activities, including social trips, creative courses and sustainable gifts.
Hybrid Working: BES staff are based at least 10 days a month at our office near Old Street in London. We endeavour to make our new custom‑designed office a relaxed environment, with a casual dress‑code, free coffee, fresh fruit, pastries and toast, and regular social activities. The office adjoins a beautiful canal where you can watch the local wildlife (currently many varieties of nesting birds!). We have dedicated break‑out working space, and a dedicated private well‑being room.
Publishing Assistant employer: BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Contact Detail:
BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Publishing Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the British Ecological Society! Research their journals and recent publications. This will not only help you understand their mission but also give you talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former BES employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can provide insider tips and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to publishing and ecology. Show your enthusiasm for the role and how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at BES.
We think you need these skills to ace Publishing Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Publishing Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in scientific publishing or administrative support, and don’t forget to showcase your attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re excited about the role and how your skills align with what we’re looking for. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm for ecology and publishing come through.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of communication, make sure your written application reflects your ability to convey information clearly. Use friendly and professional language, just like we do at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Publishing Assistant and the specific tasks involved, like managing peer reviews and handling manuscript submissions. Familiarise yourself with the British Ecological Society's journals and their focus areas, as this will show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
Since this role requires excellent attention to detail, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated this skill. Whether it’s proofreading documents or managing complex schedules, be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work.
✨Be Ready to Talk Teamwork
This job involves working both independently and as part of a team. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with others or taken the initiative on a project. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you can contribute to a friendly and effective team environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
As you'll be dealing with authors and reviewers, practice clear and concise communication. Prepare to discuss how you handle email correspondence and any experience you have with customer service. Being friendly and approachable in your responses will go a long way!