At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research integrity and publishing ethics across health research journals.
- Company: Dynamic publishing organisation committed to maintaining scholarly credibility.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with global travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on research integrity and safeguard scholarly records.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in STM publishing or related fields with expertise in integrity issues.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
The Research Integrity Lead provides strategic and operational leadership for research integrity and publishing ethics across the Health Research journals portfolio. This role establishes and embeds best‐practice frameworks to prevent, detect and manage integrity risks throughout the publication lifecycle, including paper mills, peer‐review manipulation, data and image fabrication and AI misuse. Acting as a central expert function, the role advises senior publishing leadership, supports editors and publishers in complex cases and ensures consistent, transparent and proportionate responses aligned with COPE and industry standards. The Research Integrity Lead drives the effective use of integrity screening tools, oversees policy development and training, represents the organization in cross‐industry initiatives, and promotes a culture of preventive integrity to safeguard the credibility of the scholarly record.
As the Research Integrity Lead, you are responsible for setting, embedding, and operationalizing best‐practice approaches to research integrity and publishing ethics across the journal portfolio. The role provides subject‐matter leadership on integrity risks (e.g. paper mills, manipulated peer review, image and data manipulation, AI misuse), ensures consistent and proportionate responses to integrity concerns, and represents the organization externally in industry initiatives.
The role operates as a center‐of‐expertise function, working closely with Publishing, Legal and Operations teams. Initially, this position does not include line management responsibility but is expected to exert influence through expertise, governance and collaboration. This role contributes to safeguarding the integrity of the scholarly record throughout the publication lifecycle.
Responsibilities
- Define and maintain a clear, proportionate research integrity framework, covering pre‐publication screening, investigations and post‐publication actions.
- Translate high‐level integrity principles into operational guidance, escalation pathways and decision frameworks usable by publishers and editors.
- Advise senior publishing leadership and individual publishers on emerging integrity risks, resourcing needs and reputational exposure.
- Act as a senior advisor on complex or high‐risk integrity cases, including suspected paper‐mill activity, fabricated data, manipulated images, authorship disputes and AI‐related concerns.
- Ensure investigations and outcomes (corrections, retractions, expressions of concern) are handled consistently, transparently, and in line with COPE guidance, while respecting confidentiality and legal constraints.
- Support publishers and editors in applying sound editorial judgement rather than mechanistic rule‐following.
- Lead the adoption and effective use of integrity screening tools and signals, in collaboration with Technology and Editorial Operations (e.g. plagiarism, image manipulation, paper‐mill indicators).
- Act as the organizational owner for engagement with relevant collaborative industry initiatives.
- Continuously assess the effectiveness, limitations and unintended consequences of automated screening.
- Maintain and update research integrity, publishing ethics and AI‐use policies in line with evolving industry standards.
- Develop targeted training and guidance for publishers, editors, and society partners to strengthen early detection and consistent handling of integrity issues.
- Promote a culture of preventive integrity, not solely post‐publication correction.
- Represent the organization in industry forums and working groups (e.g. STM, COPE, cross‐publisher initiatives).
- Monitor external developments (Retraction Watch trends, regulatory changes, funder expectations) and assess implications for the portfolio.
- Contribute to the organization’s external credibility as a responsible, transparent publisher.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in STM publishing, research integrity, publication ethics, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in research integrity and publishing ethics, including misconduct investigations, pre‐ and post‐publication actions, and complex judgement‐based cases.
- Strong working knowledge of COPE Core Practices, STM guidance, and standard correction and retraction workflows.
- Experience advising or working with editors, publishers, legal and operations teams on sensitive integrity issues.
- Proven ability to operate effectively without formal authority, influencing through expertise and credibility.
- Availability to travel globally.
Research Integrity Lead employer: Wolters Kluwer N.V.
As a Research Integrity Lead at our London office, you will join a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to upholding the highest standards of research integrity across our Health Research journals portfolio. We offer a supportive hybrid work environment that fosters collaboration and professional growth, alongside competitive benefits and opportunities to engage in cross-industry initiatives. Our commitment to transparency and ethical publishing ensures that you will play a vital role in safeguarding the credibility of scholarly work while advancing your career in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Integrity Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the research integrity field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be when it comes to landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of COPE guidelines and current trends in research integrity. We want you to walk in with confidence, ready to discuss how you can tackle integrity risks head-on.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully managed integrity issues or developed policies. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their impact in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our mission in safeguarding scholarly integrity.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Integrity Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Integrity Lead role. Highlight your experience in research integrity and publishing ethics, and show us how your skills align with our needs.
Showcase Your Expertise:We want to see your knowledge in action! Include specific examples of how you've tackled integrity risks or handled complex cases in your previous roles. This will help us understand your approach and expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Research Integrity Lead position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wolters Kluwer N.V.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in research integrity and publishing ethics. Familiarise yourself with COPE guidelines and be ready to discuss how you've tackled integrity issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your expertise in handling complex integrity cases. Think about situations where you advised senior leadership or collaborated with different teams to resolve issues.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Demonstrate your interest in the role by asking thoughtful questions about the organisation's current integrity frameworks and future initiatives. This shows you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in their mission.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss how you've successfully influenced others without formal authority. Share examples of how you've built relationships and fostered a culture of integrity in your previous positions.
