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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of a leading journal in nucleic acid therapeutics through innovative content development.
- Company: Specialist scientific publisher focused on advancing biomedicine and open access research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rapidly evolving field while growing your editorial skills.
- Qualifications: Biomedical background, editorial experience, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to innovation and excellence in scientific publishing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Commissioning Editor to take responsibility for the development and performance of Nucleic Acid Insights. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the direction of one of our flagship journals in a rapidly evolving field, driving the impact and growth of the journal.
About the Publisher
We are a specialist scientific publisher dedicated to advancing progress in cutting-edge fields of biomedicine. Through our portfolio of open access journals, we connect academic research, clinical application, and industry innovation across areas such as gene therapy, cell therapy, immuno-oncology, and nucleic acid therapeutics.
Our mission is to deliver high-quality, insightful content that informs, inspires, and supports progress in translational science. We foster a collaborative environment where editorial excellence, innovation, and data-driven decision-making underpin everything we do.
Key Responsibilities
Commissioning and Editorial Oversight
- Commission and develop high-quality content aligned with the journal’s scope and readership needs
- Make final accept/revise/reject decisions, ensuring all content meets rigorous scientific and editorial standards
- Shape the journal’s editorial and content direction through data-driven insights, strategic planning, and awareness of emerging topics and key trends in the sector
- Maintain and strengthen the quality, visibility, and reputation of Nucleic Acid Insights by setting and meeting clear readership growth targets and tracking key journal performance metrics
Data-Led Journal Development
- Conduct regular performance reviews using analytics and readership data to assess content performance by type, format, and topic
- Define and deliver data-informed commissioning strategies to grow readership and engagement
- Collaborate closely with business development and marketing teams to align the content pipeline with market trends and client objectives
Innovation, Visibility, and Sector Awareness
- Stay up to date with developments and trends across the nucleic acid therapeutics sector to identify new content opportunities
- Pilot new editorial initiatives (e.g., expert roundups, topical features, newsletters) to expand reach and reader engagement
- Benchmark against competitors to identify best practices that inform future content, partnerships, and promotional strategies
- Build personal and journal presence on professional platforms such as LinkedIn to strengthen visibility and industry connections
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Biomedical background to at least BSc level
- Editorial experience in journal publishing, ideally in nucleic acid therapeutics, RNA/DNA technologies, or a related field
- Excellent relationship management and communication skills, with confidence in working with internal stakeholders and external experts
- Strong understanding of open access publishing processes and business models
- Exceptional organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively across multiple projects
- Minimum of four years’ experience in scientific or academic publishing, with at least part of this in an editorial commissioning or journal management role
Desirable
- Experience developing and executing commissioning strategies to drive readership or engagement growth
- Strong understanding of emerging trends in nucleic acid therapeutics and related biomedical research
- Experience managing relationships with senior academics, industry experts, or editorial board members
- Proven ability to identify and nurture high-value contributors and content opportunities
- Demonstrated interest in innovation within scientific publishing — new content formats, outreach strategies, or audience development
- Experience managing end-to-end client editorial projects — from commissioning and scheduling to delivery — ensuring deadlines, quality standards, and objectives are consistently met
Benefits
- Salary: Competitive
- A supportive, rewarding environment where success is recognised, and career progression is actively encouraged
- Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities
- Hybrid/remote working model: typically two days per week in our central London office (Waterloo)
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Additional holiday entitlement based on length of service
Commissioning Editor employer: Life Sciences Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Life Sciences Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the publishing and biomedical fields on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and don’t be shy to reach out for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio or blog showcasing your editorial work and insights into nucleic acid therapeutics. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for the field, making you stand out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow key journals and publications in the biomedical sector to keep your knowledge fresh. This will help you during interviews when discussing how you can contribute to the growth of Nucleic Acid Insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in our mission. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with the role of Commissioning Editor, and don’t forget to highlight your data-driven approach to content development.
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for biomedicine and editorial work shine through. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission to advance cutting-edge fields like nucleic acid therapeutics.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in journal publishing and commissioning. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of the editorial process and your ability to drive readership growth.
Be Data-Driven: Since we value data-led decision-making, include any experience you have with analytics or performance reviews in your application. Show us how you've used data to inform your editorial strategies and improve content quality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Life Sciences Recruitment
✨Know Your Niche
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in nucleic acid therapeutics and related fields. Being able to discuss recent developments or emerging topics will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Commissioning Editor role.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past editorial work that highlight your decision-making skills and ability to manage content quality. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully commissioned high-quality content and what strategies you used to engage readers.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Familiarise yourself with data analytics tools and be prepared to talk about how you've used data to inform your editorial decisions. Discuss any experience you have with performance reviews and how you've adapted content strategies based on readership metrics.
✨Build Connections
Highlight your relationship management skills by sharing examples of how you've collaborated with internal teams and external experts. Mention any professional platforms you use, like LinkedIn, to strengthen your industry connections and visibility.
