At a Glance
- Tasks: Acquire and develop scholarly books, collaborating with leading authors in humanities and social sciences.
- Company: UCL Press, a pioneering open access university press in London.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and access to campus facilities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and shape the future of academic publishing.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in commissioning scholarly books and understanding of open-access publishing.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Commissioning Editor, UCL Press (12-Month FTC) UCL is London’s global university.
LCCOS – Library, Culture, Collections and Open Science – provides outstanding staff, services and resources to support the world‑class research, education and enterprise undertaken in UCL, and connects the world with UCL through innovative programming and engagement activities.
LCCOS is acknowledged as an international leader in Open Science and Scholarship.
About the role UCL Press, the university’s scholarly publisher, is seeking a part‑time Commissioning Editor to join its busy team.
As an experienced Commissioning Editor in scholarly books publishing, you will be working with leading authors, mainly in the humanities and social sciences, and will have ownership of your own dedicated lists.
The role is responsible for acquiring new books, working with authors throughout the submissions process, developing proposals, seeking peer review reports, presenting new proposals to the Editorial Board, and guiding manuscript development.
UCL Press launched in 2015 as the UK’s first fully open access university press and has a lively programme of award‑winning books, journals and textbooks disseminated globally.
This is a fixed‑term role until September 2027 in the first instance.
The appointment is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days a month on site, on set team days (first and third Wednesday of each month).
The appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff.
This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation.
Therefore, UCL will not be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.
About you This role requires extensive experience of commissioning scholarly books at an academic press.
Candidates must have experience of book acquisition, peer review, working with editorial boards, collaborating with production and marketing colleagues, developing and editing manuscripts and production schedules, and a strong understanding of open‑access publishing.
What we offer Annual leave & Work life balance 27 days annual leave + 6 closure days (Christmas and Easter) as well as statutory holidays Hybrid and flexible working Ability to buy 5 additional annual leave days Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave Carer’s leave Other benefits We also offer a defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE), a cycle‑to‑work scheme, a season ticket loan and an on‑site gym.
As part of the UCL community you can access free lunch‑hour lectures, exhibitions and museums and collections.
On campus, UCL has the Bloomsbury theatre hosting a range of performances and a series of bars, cafés and other facilities, which UCL staff can use.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London’s global university, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent.
We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including but not limited to people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our department is working towards an Athena SWAN award.
We are committed to advancing gender equality within our department.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here:
Commissioning Editor, UCL Press (0.4 FTE, 12-Month FTC) in London employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
At the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ample networking opportunities with leading experts in academia and industry, as well as our generous benefits package, including 41 days of holiday and a defined benefit pension scheme. Join us in our mission to advance materials research and make a meaningful impact in the field of biosensing technology, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor, UCL Press (0.4 FTE, 12-Month FTC) in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor, UCL Press (0.4 FTE, 12-Month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Writing Skills:In the publishing-media world, your writing chops are vital! Make sure to showcase any relevant writing samples in your application. Whether it's articles, blog posts, or even creative pieces, let us see your unique voice and style – this is your chance to shine!
Tailor Your CV for Creativity:When it comes to your CV, focus on any media-related experiences, such as internships or projects in publishing, social media management, or content creation. Use a clean, creative layout that reflects your personal brand, but won't distract us from your stellar qualifications!
Show Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, let us in on what excites you about the publishing media field. Share any recent trends or publications you're really into. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help us see how you could fit in and contribute to the team at UK Dementia Research Institute.
Flexibility Matters:As this is a part-time role, we want to know your availability upfront. In your application, feel free to mention any constraints or preferred working hours. This helps us plan better and shows that you're organised and clear about your commitments. Let's find a good balance!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Content Inside Out
When you're going for a part-time role in publishing-media, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of various media formats—think print, digital, podcasts! Be ready to discuss what types of content you've worked on before and how you adapt your writing style to suit different audiences.
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For a part-time position, your portfolio isn't just a collection of links—it's your calling card. Make sure it's well-organised and highlights work that aligns with what UK Dementia Research Institute does. Prepare to talk through your projects and the impact they had; potential employers love to hear about success stories!
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In publishing, feedback is a part of the game. Expect to discuss how you've handled editorial feedback or criticism in the past. Show us that you can take it on the chin and turn it into a learning experience; that’ll make you stand out as a collaborative team player!
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Being tech-savvy is a big plus in the publishing-media world. Brush up on relevant publishing software (like Adobe InDesign or WordPress) and be ready to chat about your experience with them. If you have any practical examples or stories about using these tools effectively, definitely share them during the interview!
