At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage editorial processes and support early-career researchers in publishing neuroscience articles.
- Company: Join Brain Communications, a leading open-access journal in neuroscience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the field of neuroscience while working with a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience or related field, strong communication, and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 41800 - 41800 £ per year.
Contract: 2 years Fixed-term
Working pattern: Full time (38.5 hours/week)
Brain Communications, one of the two journals of the Guarantors of Brain, is an open-access, international, editorially independent, peer-reviewed journal. We publish high-quality preclinical and clinical studies related to neurological or psychiatric disease or maintaining brain/nervous system health and resilience.
The Role
Brain Communications is seeking an outstanding Scientific Editor to play a central role in the journal’s editorial management. Reporting to the Senior Scientific Editor, Dr Manuela Marescotti and working closely with the Editor-in-Chief and Associate Editors (AEs), the Scientific Editor will ensure the efficient, rigorous, and timely handling of manuscripts while maintaining the highest standards of scientific quality, integrity, and author service. The post-holder will coordinate the activity of an editorial team comprising PhD students and postdoctoral Editorial Fellows, who provide scientific evaluations and support the editorial process by inviting reviewers. The Scientific Editor will contribute to their recruitment, training, mentoring, workload allocation, and quality assurance. The post-holder will support the Editor-in-Chief and, to a lesser extent, the AEs in their day-to-day paper handling activities. The Scientific Editor will also support the Senior Scientific Editor and the Editor-in-Chief in coordinating special collections, managing journal communications through social media and at conferences, and running outreach programmes training early-career researchers in academic publishing.
Responsibilities
- Perform scientific checks on manuscripts to ensure they comply with journal policies for presentation of scientific data/rigour (50%)
- Support the Senior Scientific Editor and the Editor-in-Chief to keep track of manuscripts, email correspondence, and flag delays in manuscript handling (20%)
- Support the AEs’ activity and the Editor-in-Chief (10%)
- Liaise with Associate Editors and guest editors in commissioning papers and reviews and coordinating special issues on timely subjects (5%)
- Support the organisation of Editorial Board meetings and other relevant meetings (2%)
- Support the Journal’s strategy contributing to social media posts and helping promote the journal and its mission at in-person events and online (6%)
- Contribute to outreach programmes to train early-career researchers in the process of publishing neuroscience articles (7%)
The post holder will independently plan and manage their workload, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of services and projects at Brain Communications. They will use initiative to resolve day-to-day issues, respond flexibly to emerging pressures, monitor manuscripts under consideration, and maintain awareness of current priorities and future journal plans. The post holder will meet regular deadlines and prioritise their workload as necessary; they will be expected to deal with most problems, such as dealing with disgruntled authors, standing in for editorial board members in inviting reviewers when they are tardy, and any problems arising in the programmes led by the post holder.
Reporting to the Senior Scientific Editor of Brain Communications. Key contacts will be the editorial team, editorial board members, and the Guarantors of Brain.
You will have
Essential
- Education to a higher level required (PhD in Neuroscience or related discipline or equivalent)
- Experience with multiple forms of statistical analysis
- Experience running programmes of work involving multiple stakeholders
- Excellent administrative-related IT skills
- Effective written communication skills, effective social media skills, ability to work to deadlines, and the ability to work well in a team
- Ability to produce a publication-ready manuscript
Desirable
- Extensive training with Scholar One software or equivalent
- Experience with scientific publishing
- Established track record of peer-review/review
£36,800 to £41,800 per annum depending on experience
Scientific Editor at Brain Communications in Cambridge employer: Guarantors of Brain
At Brain Communications, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. As a Scientific Editor, you will not only contribute to the advancement of neuroscience publishing but also benefit from professional development opportunities, mentorship from experienced editors, and a supportive team culture. Located in a vibrant academic community, we offer a unique chance to engage with leading researchers and participate in outreach programmes that shape the future of scientific communication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Editor at Brain Communications 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 Guarantors of Brain, 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 Guarantors of Brain. 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 at Brain Communications 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 Guarantors of Brain. 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 Guarantors of Brain. 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 Guarantors of Brain
✨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 Guarantors of Brain. 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 Guarantors of Brain to drive research projects forward.
