At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research integrity initiatives and ensure ethical publishing practices across our journal portfolio.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to upholding research integrity in publishing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the world of research by promoting ethical standards.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in STM publishing or related fields with expertise in research integrity.
- Other info: Dynamic role with global travel opportunities and engagement in industry initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 ÂŁ per year.
As the Research Integrity Lead, you set, embed, and operationalize best‑practice approaches to research integrity and publishing ethics across the journal portfolio. You provide subject‑matter leadership on integrity risks, ensure consistent and proportionate responses to concerns, and represent the organization externally in industry initiatives.
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 judgment 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.
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 judgment‑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.
Research Integrity Lead employer: Wolters Kluwer
Contact Detail:
Wolters Kluwer Recruiting Team
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 current trends in research integrity and publishing ethics. We recommend having a few examples ready that showcase your expertise and how you’ve tackled integrity issues in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values and expertise. We encourage you to check out our website for openings that match your skills in research integrity and publishing ethics.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe that a little extra effort can make a big difference in the hiring process.
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. A personal touch goes a long way!
Showcase Your Expertise: We want to see your knowledge in action! Include specific examples of how you've handled integrity issues or complex cases in the past. This will help us understand your approach and how you can contribute to our team.
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 while still showcasing your personality.
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 role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wolters Kluwer
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in research integrity and publishing ethics. Brush up on COPE Core Practices and be ready to discuss how you’ve handled complex integrity cases in the past. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Research Integrity Lead, you’ll need to influence others without formal authority. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully advised senior leadership or collaborated with teams on sensitive issues. Highlight your ability to lead discussions and drive change.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to integrity risks or misconduct investigations. Think through your responses ahead of time, focusing on your decision-making process and how you would apply operational guidance in real-world scenarios.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with recent developments in research integrity, such as trends from Retraction Watch or changes in funder expectations. Being able to discuss these topics will demonstrate your commitment to staying informed and proactive in your field.