At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of editors and manage the peer-review process for a top research journal.
- Company: Join Scientific Reports, a leading open-access journal from the publishers of Nature.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for travel, and engagement with the scientific community.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the scientific world while developing your editorial skills.
- Qualifications: PhD-level experience in life or health sciences and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
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. You will support the Chief Editor of Scientific Reports in overseeing the publishing team and the editorial workflows, including the peer-review process, 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 levels of service to staff, authors and Editorial Board Members.
Responsibilities
- Training and line management of Associate/Senior Editor(s).
- Assist in the daily management of the journal workflow, with the objective of providing rapid, constructive peer-review and publication decisions, acting as 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 the allocation of 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/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.
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, promotion of 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.
Deputy Editor employer: Springer
At Scientific Reports, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. As a Deputy Editor, you will benefit from a supportive culture that values professional development, with opportunities for training and leadership within a dynamic team dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge. Located in a vibrant academic hub, our commitment to open access publishing ensures that your contributions have a meaningful impact on the global research community.
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We think this is how you could land Deputy Editor
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!
Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at Springer. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at Springer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Springer
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Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!
✨Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at Springer. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.
✨Brush Up on Editing Techniques
Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!
✨Express Your Passion for Storytelling
In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at Springer. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!