Deputy Editor

Scientific Reports is a primary research journal from the publishers of Nature, covering all areas of the natural and clinical sciences. Online and open access, Scientific Reports publishes a high volume of scientifically valid, original research papers without barriers to access. With the support of external Editorial Board Members, papers are rapidly peer‑reviewed to ensure they are technically sound.

As a Deputy Editor you will lead a team of Associate and Senior Editors, support the Chief Editor in overseeing the publishing team and editorial workflows, including peer‑review, post‑publication cases, 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 service levels 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 and Senior Editor(s)
• Assist in the daily management of the journal workflow, providing rapid, constructive peer review and publication decisions, acting as a handling editor on manuscripts as required
• Respond to authors, reviewers, EBMs, Senior EBMs and readers of Scientific Reports in a timely fashion
• Work with the publishing team in allocating manuscripts to EBMs
• Liaise with EBMs on an ongoing basis to follow up on peer review and final decisions, ensuring decision policies are adhered to at all times by EBMs
• 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
• Input to policy development initiatives and implement editorial policy as required
• Establish and maintain relationships with EBMs, including arranging and holding in‑person meetings and editorial board meetings, and supporting initiatives to further improve engagement
• Manage recruitment and training of new EBMs where required
• Represent Scientific Reports at international and 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

To be considered for the position

• 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, promoting a journal or a portfolio of journals
• In‑depth knowledge of and experience handling editorial ethics and misconduct issues
• Strong interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, and 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

To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter outlining your key ambitions in the role, including your motivations behind applying for this exciting opportunity.

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