Obituaries Editor, The BMJ

BMA; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension up to 12%

Discounted dental and travel insurance

Seven x salary life assurance

Discounted gym membership

Retail discounts via yourReward

Job summary

The BMJ is seeking an experienced obituaries editor for a part-time, 0.6 FTE role based in the United Kingdom. You will shape the obituaries section for online publication and the fortnightly print journal, ensuring high standards and timely delivery.

You will write, commission and edit obituaries, build networks of sources, and work closely with families and editorial colleagues to publish sensitive, accurately crafted memorials.

Qualifications

• Track record of writing, commissioning, and editing obituaries or other health/medical journalism.
• Expertise in writing and editing for online and print audiences; able to meet tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of medical research, public health and health policy in an international context.
• Knowledge of copyright and media law.

Responsibilities

• Write, commission, and edit obituaries for online and print.
• Develop and maintain contacts to source leads for obituaries.
• Liaise with bereaved families to organise individual obituaries.
• Maintain responsibility for the obituaries pages in the print journal.

Skills

Obituaries writing

Commissioning obituaries

Editing obituaries

Medical journalism

Public health knowledge

Job description

Application Closing Date: 30th September 2026

Job Purpose

The BMJ is seeking an experienced journalist or editor to join The BMJ as obituaries editor. This is a part-time position working (0.6 FTE).

Working with the UK Editor, you will be responsible for The BMJ’s obituaries – writing, commissioning, and editing obituaries for publication online and in the fortnightly print journal.

You will have a track record of writing, commissioning, and editing obituaries or other types of health or medical journalism. You will have expertise in writing and editing for online and print audiences, and be able to work to tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Write, commission, and edit obituaries for use online and in print
• Develop and maintain contacts to source leads for obituaries
• Liaise with bereaved families to organise individual obituaries
• Maintain responsibility for the obituaries pages in the print journal

Skills and Experience

• Considerable experience in writing, commissioning, and editing obituaries or other types of types of health or medical journalism
• Knowledge and understanding of medical research, public health, and health policy in an international context
• Knowledge and understanding of copyright and media law
• Communication and negotiation skills

Why work for us?

Help us create a healthier world. We are a global healthcare knowledge provider. We publish The BMJ, one of the world’s most impactful medical journals and over 70 influential speciality journals. We offer digital tools to help health professionals worldwide tackle critical healthcare challenges. Find out more about us here .

Flexible Work and Workplace Perks

We’re committed to flexible working that supports both your needs and the requirements of the role.

• Generous double-matching employer pension contribution, up to 12%
• Discounted dental and travel insurance
• Seven x salary life assurance cover and a generous income protection package
• Discounted gym membership, cycle-to-work and season ticket loan
• Discounts for retail and leisure products through yourReward

Work-life balance and wellbeing

• Twenty-five days holiday + bank holidays + a BMJ Day off.
• Additional holiday through long service; buy up to 5 additional days
• Leave for moving house, volunteering or getting married
• Concierge service Seniorcare by Lottie

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are not buzzwords to us, but fundamental company priorities

We believe that a diverse workforce brings unique strengths and insights, enabling us to better serve our customers and drive positive change in our industry.

If you are from an under-represented or historically marginalised community, we are particularly interested in hearing from you.

Join our employee-led networks focusing on Gender, Race and Cultural Diversity, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health and Well-being, Parents and Carers and Age.

Disability Confident Committed employer

Learning & Development

• Career Coaching
• Opportunities to pursue professional development