Assistant Editor - Soil Ecology and Ecosystems

British Ecological Society; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day week

Job summary

British Ecological Society is seeking an Assistant Editor to join the Publications team in London. The role is hybrid and permanent, with a salary of £35,000 per year. You will manage day-to-day journal operations, oversee peer review, and support content acquisition and promotion.

Ideal candidates have proven experience in scientific publishing and strong written/verbal communication skills. Degree level education is required, with 4-day week benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with scientific publishing
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally
• Translate complex information into accessible language
• Write or edit copy for diverse audiences
• Work well in a team and independently
• Strong time management and organisation
• Familiarity with social media and digital publishing tools
• Understanding of the research sector and STM publishing
• Degree level education

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day running of the new journal
• Oversee a timely, fair peer review process
• Support content acquisition and author enquiries
• Maintain manuscript records from submission to decision
• Collaborate with Editors to develop journal processes
• Provide regular manuscript processing reports
• Coordinate with production for smooth publication
• Assist in journal marketing and online campaigns
• Update journal web pages with new content

Education

Degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Content management systems

Job description

Location: London, Hybrid

Closing Date: Thursday 8th October - 9:00am

Interview: Thursday 22nd October

Role: Assistant Editor (Officer band)

Salary: £35,000

Contract: Permanent

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.

Full requirements can be found below.

Key Responsibilities

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

This list is not exhaustive, and employees may be asked to carry out other duties appropriate to their role and level, in line with business needs.

Equality and Diversity

We recognise the value in having a diverse workforce, as well as the importance of creating equal opportunities for all. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We select candidates based on how well they meet the criteria for the role and are committed to ensuring that applicants are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.

As part of your application, we ask for you to provide equality and diversity information. This is entirely voluntary and is only used to help us to assess the diversity of our recruitment and further improve recruitment processes in future. It has no bearing on the success of your application and is not considering as part of the shortlisting process.

Right to work in the UK

Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Successful applicants will need to provide evidence that they have the right to live and work in the UK. The BES is unable to provide visa sponsorship.

Use of AI tools in applications

We recognise that AI tools can support candidates in refining their job applications, particularly in improving clarity and language. If you choose to use AI to assist with your application, please remember that you are responsible for the content and quality of your application.

AI may be used to improve - but must not replace - your own voice and experience. Applications must reflect your own understanding, experience and suitability for the role. We encourage all applicants to review their submission carefully before sending.

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 peer review system

Benefits

• 4-day week

The BES offer a voluntary, opt‑in 4-day working week model for all full time staff. Staff who opt‑in may work 32 hours over 4 or 4.5 days at no loss of salary.

Leave

Employees receive 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 each year to a maximum of 30 days, plus additional leave between Christmas and New Years.

The BES also offers a generous paid sick leave policy.

Pension

The BES contributes the equivalent of 8% of your annual salary into a sustainable pension fund. You are welcome to top this up at with your salary at your own discretion.

Well‑being

The Society runs monthly well‑being activities, including social trips, creative courses and sustainable gifts.

Hybrid Working

BES staff are based at least 3 days per week at our office near Old Street in London.

We endeavour to make our new custom‑designed office a relaxed environment, with a casual dress‑code, free coffee, fresh fruit, pastries and toast, and regular social activities.

The office adjoins a beautiful canal where you can watch the local wildlife (currently many varieties of nesting birds!). We have dedicated break‑out working space, and a dedicated private well‑being room.