At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate and validate crystal structure data, support training and outreach initiatives.
- Company: Join a globally respected organisation dedicated to scientific excellence.
- Benefits: Gain experience in scientific data curation and community engagement.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and representation at global events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the scientific community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field; strong communication and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
We're looking for a Scientific Editor to join our Data and Community Function, helping to curate, enhance, and promote the world-renowned Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), a critical resource used by scientists across academia and industry worldwide. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in maintaining the quality and integrity of structural chemistry data while contributing to scientific training, outreach, and education initiatives that support the global research community.
About the Role
As a Scientific Editor, you'll be responsible for validating and curating crystal structure analyses, ensuring scientific accuracy and consistency within the CSD. You'll work with complex structural data, contribute to database enhancement projects, and help maintain the high standards that make the CSD an invaluable scientific resource. Beyond data curation, you'll also support the development and delivery of training materials, workshops, webinars, and educational resources. You'll have the opportunity to represent the organisation at conferences, scientific meetings, and outreach events, helping researchers understand and maximise the value of structural data. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you'll contribute to innovative projects that improve data workflows, enhance training activities, and strengthen engagement with the scientific community.
What You'll Be Doing
- Validating and curating crystal structure analyses to ensure the quality and integrity of the CSD.
- Resolving complex scientific and chemical representation challenges.
- Contributing to database enhancement projects that enrich and improve structural data.
- Supporting the creation and maintenance of training materials, workshops, webinars, and online learning resources.
- Delivering educational activities for academic and industrial audiences.
- Creating scientific content, including presentations, articles, blogs, and outreach materials.
- Representing the organisation at conferences, workshops, customer visits, and scientific events.
- Exploring and implementing new approaches to improve data workflows and editorial processes.
- Building relationships with researchers, educators, and members of the structural chemistry community.
About You
We're looking for a scientifically minded individual who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent communication skills. You will ideally have:
- A degree, postgraduate qualification, or equivalent experience in Chemistry, Crystallography, or a related scientific discipline.
- An interest in scientific data, structural chemistry, and crystallographic information.
- Excellent analytical skills and strong attention to detail.
- The ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a range of audiences.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for working across teams.
- An interest in education, training, outreach, and science communication.
- Confidence in presenting and engaging with academic and industrial researchers.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a globally respected scientific resource while developing expertise across scientific data curation, education, outreach, and community engagement. You'll work alongside passionate experts, contribute to projects that support scientific discovery worldwide, and have opportunities to represent the organisation within the international research community. If you're looking for a role where your scientific knowledge, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for supporting researchers can make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.
For further details, please see the full Job Description and Scientific Editor. To apply, click ‘Apply for this job’, attaching a copy of your CV and a covering letter. Closing Date: Monday 31st August 2026.
Scientific Editor in Cambridge employer: CCDC
Join our vibrant team in Cambridge as an Office Administrator/Executive Assistant, where you'll play a pivotal role in supporting our Executive Leadership Team and enhancing the workplace experience for all employees. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values initiative and professional growth, offering you the opportunity to develop your skills across various functions while making a meaningful impact in a dynamic organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Editor in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at CCDC, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like CCDC. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Editor in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at CCDC. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at CCDC. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at CCDC
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at CCDC. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at CCDC to drive research projects forward.
