Commissioning Support Intern – New Journal Launches in Leeds

The Commissioning Support Intern will work within the Content Acquisition (CACE) team to support the development and launch of several new journals planned for 2027. The role will focus on desk-based research, data collation, and commissioning support activities that are essential to building early momentum for new journal launches. You will contribute to identifying potential authors, editorial board members, reviewers, and emerging research themes, as well as supporting early engagement and outreach activity for a number of new launch journals. You will combine independent research tasks with the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from multiple commissioning editors.

Location: We perform at our best when we feel trusted and are able to choose an approach to working that suits us best, which is why we are a remote-first company. However, we also believe in face-to-face collaboration, and our UK colleagues meet once a month for team time and quarterly for company get-togethers in our Leeds office, so we ask that you be within a commutable distance that you are comfortable with in order to attend the office on those occasions. Please note that although we are a remote-first company, the role will need to be carried out from the UK. As such, we are unable to accommodate remote arrangements from other countries.

About our Recruitment Process: We welcome applications from all individuals, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief. As we understand the value of the transferability of skills and experiences, we are not looking for the 'perfect candidate', we encourage everyone who is truly excited about our mission to apply. We receive a high volume of interest in our roles and may close applications early if we reach capacity. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you require additional time to complete your application due to accessibility needs or other circumstances, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re happy to support you.

Day to day we’ll trust you to:

• Conduct desk research to identify potential authors, reviewers, and emerging research communities for each new journal.
• Identify relevant academic conferences and events not already included in original journal proposals.
• Research emerging research areas and trending topics to support the development of special issues and article ideas.
• Support editorial board development by researching and shortlisting potential board members.
• Assist in building a list of potential peer reviewers across key subject areas.
• Prepare template commissioning approaches and author engagement materials.
• Collate, organise, and track research findings, contacts, and outreach activity using spreadsheets.
• Support commissioning editors with early-stage author outreach where required.
• Conduct additional research into potential funding sources for article processing charges (APCs).
• Ensure accurate documentation of work to support future follow-up and long-term commissioning strategies.

You’ll need to have:

• Technical and Practical Skills: Strong desk-based research skills, including the ability to source, evaluate, and synthesise academic and professional information. Confidence using spreadsheets to record, track, and organise data systematically. Basic understanding of academic publishing, scholarly journals, or research environments. Ability to prepare clear, professional written materials such as templates and briefing notes.
• Knowledge and Experience: Interest in academic research, scholarly communication, or publishing. Awareness of research communities, conferences, and academic networks. Familiarity with different journal models (e.g. hybrid and open access) is beneficial.
• Personal Skills and Attributes: Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to tracking work and managing multiple tasks. Clear and professional communicator, both written and verbal. Curious and proactive, with a willingness to explore new subject areas independently. Comfortable working collaboratively with different commissioning editors while also taking ownership of individual tasks.

What’s in it for you?

At Emerald, we value our people. Becoming a part of our team means you’ll join a trusting and flexible environment and we've been flexified so you can trust that we're a truly flexible workplace. All we ask is that you attend the office once a month to come together with work colleagues. You'll also have numerous opportunities to progress your career, as well as access to professional development and the opportunity to learn new skills. You’ll receive a wide range of benefits, such as pro-rated annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), remote flexible working, a discretionary performance bonus, 6% pension contribution (raising to 7% if you choose to increase your contribution above 2%) and various benefits aimed at supporting your wellbeing and work-life balance such as a working from home allowance. You can check out a full list of our benefits here. Please note some benefits are available after 3 months. Roles are advertised at a benchmarked market median rate. Offers will be made within a range of the median, depending on skills and experience.

Please note - Applicants must be authorized to work in the UK without restrictions or sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. Emerald Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our applicants. If you would like to request any accommodations/adjustments from application through to interview stages, please complete the relevant section within the application or contact us at peopleteam@emerald.com and let us know.