At a Glance
- Tasks: Acquire and develop scholarly books, collaborating with leading authors in humanities and social sciences.
- Company: UCL Press, the UK's first fully open access university press, known for innovation.
- Benefits: 27 days annual leave, hybrid working, enhanced family leave, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Encourages diverse applicants and offers excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in academic publishing while enjoying work-life balance.
- 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:
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Editor, UCL Press (12-Month FTC) in London
✨Get Your Portfolio Sorted
As a publishing-media temporary position, having a well-curated portfolio of your work is key. Gather your best writing samples, layouts, or projects you’ve been involved in, and make sure they're easily accessible online. This’ll give potential employers like UK Dementia Research Institute immediate insight into what you can bring to the table.
✨Tap into Publishing Networks
Don’t underestimate the power of industry connections! Join platforms like PublishingPerspectives or attend local publishing events. Engaging with others in the field can not only provide job leads but also valuable insights into temporary roles, like the one at UK Dementia Research Institute. Plus, you might just snag that insider info that helps you land the job!
✨Utilise your University Resources
If you're currently studying or recently graduated, your university's career services are a treasure trove! They often have connections with publishing agencies or temporary roles available in the industry. Make a visit or reach out to see if there are opportunities with companies like UK Dementia Research Institute that you can jump on.
✨Be Ready for Short Notice
In the world of temporary publishing roles, flexibility is your best friend. Be prepared to jump in at short notice! Keep an eye on job boards and set alerts for opportunities at places like UK Dementia Research Institute. The more proactive you are, the better your chances will be!
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Editor, UCL Press (12-Month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Portfolio:When you're applying for a temporary role in publishing-media, it's crucial to include samples of your writing. Whether it’s articles, blog posts, or even creative pieces, let us see your flair for storytelling and your ability to engage readers. A well-curated portfolio can really set you apart!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV shines with skills that are essential for the publishing-media world. Highlight your experience with editing, content creation, or even specific software like InDesign or Photoshop. The more relevant experience you flaunt, the better your chances at catching our eye!
Show Us Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, mention your adaptability and your willingness to tackle various tasks or changes in workflow. This kind of attitude is gold in the fast-paced publishing world.
Make It Personal and Engaging:Your cover letter is your chance to connect with us at UK Dementia Research Institute—don't hold back! Share why you're passionate about publishing-media and what excites you about joining our team. A personal touch goes a long way in making your application memorable.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Digital Tools
In the publishing-media world, being savvy with digital tools like InDesign, Photoshop, and content management systems can really set you apart. We should brush up on our skills with these tools, as many interviewers might throw in some technical questions or scenario-based tasks to see how you’d handle real projects.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Since we're looking at a temporary role, it’s crucial to demonstrate that you can hit the ground running. Make sure your portfolio is up to date with a variety of your best work! Talk us through your projects, highlighting your involvement and the impact of your contributions.
✨Be Ready for Creative Discussions
Interviews in publishing-media often dive deep into creative discussions. We should be prepared to chat about our favourite pieces of media, current trends, or even pitches for new ideas. This is our time to shine and show our enthusiasm for the industry!
✨Flexibility is Key
Temporary roles can sometimes involve ever-changing tasks and priorities. Let’s showcase our adaptability by sharing examples of times we’ve successfully handled last-minute changes or embraced new challenges. This will show them we’re not just committed but also capable of thriving in a dynamic environment!
