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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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Seniority and Employment Details
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Science and Writing/Editing
- Industries: Biotechnology Research and Book and Periodical Publishing
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Life Sciences Recruitment!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Life Sciences Recruitment:When applying for the Commissioning Editor role at Life Sciences Recruitment, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Life Sciences Recruitment produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Life Sciences Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Life Sciences Recruitment. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
