Journal Development Editor

SCI; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific organization in the UK is seeking a strategic leader for the development of a set of journals. This role involves growing editorial boards, commissioning content, and ensuring quality and impact. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant science degree, at least 2 years of STM journal experience, and excellent relationship skills. A competitive salary and benefits, including 25 days’ holiday, are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Market-leading pension plan

Real opportunities to grow your career

Qualifications

• Must have 2+ years of experience with STM journals.
• Knowledge of Open Access and open research practices required.
• Organized, calm under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Grow and support editorial boards aligned to journal KPIs.
• Commission thematic issues and content aligned to community needs.
• Track competitor activity and field trends.

Skills

Strong relationship skills

Clear communication

Data interpretation

Proactive and resilient

Advanced Excel skills

Education

Relevant science degree (physical sciences)

Job description

About SCI

SCI, (The Society of Chemical Industry) a registered charity, is an international forum where science meets business. Established in 1881 SCI’s main charitable objective is to accelerate science out of the laboratory to address the key societal challenges facing society today. SCI does this by facilitating open innovation, identifying and promoting emerging technologies in the areas of climate and planet and health and wellness, and by providing support for the next generation of scientists and engineers.

SCI runs over 50 conferences and events each year and has a range of publishing and award activities. Today, SCI has members in over 70 countries and with over 900 companies and many academic institutions represented in our network.

The role

Reporting to the Publisher (Journals), you’ll drive the strategic development of a set of SCI journals – some established, some new launches. You’ll use data to grow submissions, quality and impact; build high‑performing editorial boards; commission high‑value special/thematic issues; and work closely with our publishing partner Wiley and SCI’s marketing and events teams to increase visibility, reputation and author experience.

What you’ll do:

• Grow and support editorial boards for your portfolio, aligned to journal KPIs (submissions, usage, citations, impact).
• Build & engage editorial boards – identifying gaps, onboarding members, enabling effective decision‑making and advocacy.
• Commission strategically – thematic issues, invited reviews, and content aligned to community needs and emerging areas.
• Optimise the pipeline – work with editorial/production teams to keep turnaround time and service levels on target.
• Champion quality & integrity – promote best practice in peer review, ethics, open research and research integrity.
• Own the insight – track competitor activity, field trends and bibliometrics to inform positioning and development.
• Amplify reach – partner with SCI marketing/events to drive discoverability, author engagement and community presence (including conference attendance).
• Support launches – contribute to new‑title strategy, positioning and early‑stage content acquisition.
• Collaborate widely – with internal teams across SCI to maximise outreach and impact.

What you’ll bring:

• A relevant science degree in physical sciences (e.g. chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biology, biochemistry, horticultural science) is essential.
• 2+ years’ experience working on STM journals (development, commissioning or editorial). Working knowledge of Open Access and open research practices.
• Strong relationship skills with academics, editors and partners; clear, confident communication.
• Sound understanding of publishing workflows and peer review; organised and calm under deadlines.
• Data‑literate – comfortable interpreting submissions, usage and citation data to drive decisions.
• Proactive, resilient, and a collaborative teammate who can also work independently.
• Advanced Excel skills desirable.
• Right to work in the UK is essential.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
• Market‑leading pension plan.
• Real opportunities to grow your career.
• Dynamic, collaborative environment.

To Apply

Send your CV and a covering letter (including your right to work in the UK) by an email via the button below.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; early applications are encouraged.