Obituaries Editor, The BMJ

BMJ Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension employer contribution up to 12

Discounted dental insurance

Discounted travel insurance

Life assurance (7x salary)

Income protection

Job summary

The BMJ Group seeks an experienced obituaries editor to join The BMJ on a part-time basis (0.6 FTE). You will be responsible for writing, commissioning and editing obituaries for online publication and the fortnightly print journal.

You will develop contacts to source leads, liaise with families, and maintain the obituaries pages in print. A track record in health/medical journalism and meeting tight deadlines is essential.

Qualifications

• Considerable experience in writing, commissioning, and editing obituaries or other health/medical journalism.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Obituaries editing

Editing

News writing

Commissioning

Health journalism

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

• Location 90 Whitfield Street, United Kingdom