Assistant Editor – Soil Ecology and Ecosystems

Ecology Training UK Ltd.; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

British Ecological Society is seeking an Assistant Editor to join the publications team and oversee the day-to-day running of a brand-new journal within its world-renowned portfolio.

The role offers an engaging editorial environment, requiring proactive collaboration with editors, authors, reviewers and staff to ensure smooth manuscript processing and timely publication.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with scientific publishing.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally.
• Ability to translate complex information into accessible language and to write or edit copy for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work effectively and proactively, both as part of a team and independently.
• Time-management and organisation skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines and prioritise workload with good attention to detail.
• Experience with a range of IT programmes including MS Office products and, ideally, content management systems.
• Understanding of, and familiarity with, social media and other digital publishing tools.
• Understanding (broadly) of the research sector and STM publishing industry.
• Education to degree level (or equivalent), ideally in a relevant subject.
• Able to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Managing a timely and fair peer review process for a successful international journal.
• Supporting content acquisition plans for the journal.
• Dealing with enquiries from authors, reviewers and editors.
• Maintaining accurate records of manuscript progress from submission to final acceptance or rejection.
• Contributing ideas for journal development and improvements to processes to Managing Editor and Editors.
• Providing regular reports to Editors and Managing Editor on all aspects of manuscript processing.
• Liaising with the publisher’s production department to ensure publication runs smoothly.
• Assisting in ongoing journal marketing and promotion via online campaigns, printed publicity and social media channels.
• Updating journal web pages to highlight new journal content.
• Developing and managing the journal blog in collaboration with the Blog Associate Editor.
• Attending the BES annual conference and any other external relevant meetings as required

Skills

Scientific publishing

Editing/writing

Communication

Time management

CMS / content management systems

MS Office

Social media

Research sector knowledge

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Content management systems

Job description

We are seeking someone to assist the BES in publishing a brand new journal in the society’s world-renowned portfolio.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking for an interesting and varied editorial role to be part of an experienced publications team.

The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with demonstrable experience in an academic publishing role.

Reporting to the Head of Product Development, the Assistant Editor will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the journal but will also work closely with the rest of the publications team, providing additional support across the portfolio.

Core duties will include:

• Managing a timely and fair peer review process for a successful international journal
• Supporting content acquisition plans for the journal
• Dealing with enquiries from authors, reviewers and editors
• Maintaining accurate records of manuscript progress from submission to final acceptance or rejection
• Contributing ideas for journal development and improvements to processes to Managing Editor and Editors
• Providing regular reports to Editors and Managing Editor on all aspects of manuscript processing
• Liaising with the publisher’s production department to ensure publication runs smoothly
• Assisting in ongoing journal marketing and promotion via online campaigns, printed publicity and social media channels
• Updating journal web pages to highlight new journal content
• Developing and managing the journal blog in collaboration with the Blog Associate Editor
• Attending the BES annual conference and any other external relevant meetings as required

Requirements

Essential:

• Proven experience with scientific publishing
• Ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally
• Ability to translate complex information into accessible language and to write or edit copy for a variety of audiences
• Ability to work effectively and proactively, both as part of a team and independently
• Time-management and organisation skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines and prioritise workload with good attention to detail
• Experience with a range of IT programmes including MS office products and, ideally, content management systems
• Understanding of, and familiarity with, social media and other digital publishing tools
• Understanding (broadly) of the research sector and STM publishing industry
• Education to degree level (or equivalent), ideally in a relevant subject
• Able to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable

• Experience using using a peer review system