Deputy Editor (Life or Health Sciences), Scientific Reports

Location: London - Hybrid working

Application Deadline: 5th July 2026. Candidates considered as they apply; early applications encouraged.

About The Role

Scientific Reports is a primary research journal covering all areas of the natural and clinical sciences. As Deputy Editor you will lead a team of Associate and Senior Editors, support the Chief Editor in overseeing publishing workflows, peer‑review processes, editorial board management, content development and acquisition, and, where required, making editorial decisions. Key performance indicators include rapid publication, sound peer‑review practices, and high levels of service to staff, authors and Editorial Board Members. This role is based in our London office on a hybrid working pattern and is offered on a permanent basis.

Responsibilities

• Training and line management of Associate/Senior Editors.
• Assist in daily management of journal workflow to provide rapid, constructive peer‑review and publication decisions; act as handling editor on manuscripts as required.
• Respond to authors, reviewers, EBMs, Senior EBMs and readers in a timely fashion.
• Work with publishing team in allocation of manuscripts to EBMs.
• Liaise with EBMs to follow up on peer review and final decisions, ensuring decision policies are adhered to at all times.
• Resolve pre‑ and post‑publication issues raised by staff, EBMs and readers (e.g. authorship, scope, ethics and consent, misconduct), including communication with authors and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to policy development initiatives and implement editorial policy as required.
• Establish and maintain relationships with EBMs, arrange and hold in‑person meetings and editorial board meetings, and support initiatives to improve engagement.
• Manage recruitment and training of new EBMs where required.
• Represent Scientific Reports at international/national conferences and institutional visits as required.
• Be an active member of the Springer Nature editorial community, engaging with editorial colleagues on other journals and driving collaboration on projects as necessary.
• Sign‑off social media and marketing content.

Qualifications

• PhD‑level research experience or equivalent in life or health sciences.
• Previous experience coordinating peer review and making independent manuscript decisions within a world‑class STM publishing company.
• Previous experience organising and leading outreach events, interacting with senior academic stakeholders and promoting a journal or portfolio of journals.
• In‑depth knowledge of and experience handling editorial ethics and misconduct issues.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and influencing skills; fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Strong workload management and organisational skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable and flexible.
• Thorough knowledge of the scientific community and its needs.
• Highly self‑motivated, resourceful and achievement‑oriented.
• Sound knowledge and interest in science in general.
• Willingness to travel.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to inclusion of people, perspectives, and ideas. We welcome applications from all individuals and celebrate diversity.