Publishing Assistant

BMJ; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Pension 12%+ employer

Dental & travel insurance

Life assurance 7x salary

Gym membership discount

Cycle-to-work

Season ticket loan

Retail & leisure discounts

Job summary

BMJ is seeking a Publishing Assistant to support the BMJ Publishing Team in a hybrid role. You will provide back office support across a portfolio of journals, handling administrative tasks to keep publishing processes structured and efficient.

You will engage in project work, gain industry knowledge, and develop skills to progress in a publishing career within the organization.

Qualifications

• Experience in scholarly publishing desirable.
• Proficient in standard software packages (MS Office/Google Suite).
• Basic WordPress skills desirable.
• Ability to research information independently.
• Ability to prioritise workload.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and results-focused.

Responsibilities

• Process supplier invoices and manage payment files.
• Collate data for reports and support strategic development.
• Arrange meetings and coordinate logistics including videoconferencing, catering and travel.
• Maintain editorial board lists and conflict of interest statements; update team websites.
• Update website information as required by the Publishing Team.
• Assist with organising podcast interviews and uploading multimedia content.
• Cover for other team members and participate in ad hoc publishing projects.

Skills

Scholarly publishing experience

MS Office / Google Suite

WordPress basics

Research information independently

Prioritise workload

Excellent communication

Self-motivated

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

WordPress

Job description

Application Closing Date: Tuesday 22nd September 2026

Overview

In this hybrid role, you will support colleagues from the BMJ Publishing Team with administrative tasks related to the publication of a portfolio of leading biomedical journals. As a vital member of the team, you will bring structure and order to core publishing processes, providing the crucial back office support that enables the busy team to deliver their objectives.

You will have the opportunity to be engaged in project work, gain a greater understanding of the academic journal industry more widely, and develop knowledge and skills to enable you to progress in your publishing career.

Job purpose

The Publishing Assistant provides support across a large portfolio of specialist biomedical journals. This role is an essential part of the wider Publishing Team and involves assisting the Head of Portfolio, Senior Publisher, Publishers and Publishing Executive.

This is a varied and busy role that requires excellent organisational, administrative and communication skills. Duties are wide-ranging, but include research and data collection to aid journal development across the portfolio; maintaining and updating journal records, finances, information files and websites; and organising and attending a range of internal and external meetings.

Responsibilities

• Financial administration: Process supplier invoices based on payment schedules. Keep payment files up to date and handle confidential information in line with regulations. Ensure all payments relating to meetings are accounted for.
• Journal data and desk research: Collate regular and ad hoc data for general reporting, meeting reports and strategic development plans. Research competitors and landscape information to support new initiatives.
• Meeting management: Arrange suitable meeting dates with all attendees. Coordinate meeting logistics including videoconferencing, catering, reception passes, travel and accommodation. Attend and take meeting minutes when required.
• Editorial team administration: Maintain editorial board lists and conflict of interest statements on internal systems. Ensure new team members are set up appropriately. Keep websites up to date with team changes. Notify other departments of changes.
• Website maintenance: Update website information as required by the Publishing Team.
• Social and multimedia management: Assist external editors with organising podcast interviews. Upload new podcasts, videos and blog posts as required.
• Other: Cover for the departmental Publishing Administrator or Publishing Team members when required. Participate in ad hoc Publishing Team projects.

Skills, Experiences & Qualifications

• Relevant experience in a scholarly publishing environment is desirable
• Proficient in standard software packages, such as Microsoft Office or Google Suite; basic web skills desirable (e.g. WordPress)
• Ability to research information independently
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated and results-focused

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