Manuscript Editor I

University of Chicago; United States; Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago Press is hiring a Manuscript Editor I to edit complex scholarly journal manuscripts in science and economics, ensuring style, grammar, and accuracy under supervision. Using XML-based editing software, the editor applies journal style throughout the manuscript and writes queries to authors.

The role moves manuscripts through corrections, approval, and ahead-of-print posting, working with editors, production staff, and related departments.

Qualifications

• Education: college or university degree in related field.
• Work experience: 2–5 years in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: ---
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree; graduate coursework.

Responsibilities

• Copyedit academic journal articles in science and economics following tight production schedules and deadlines.
• Copyedit all parts of a manuscript, including main text, literature, appendixes, figure captions, tables, and math expressions.
• Guide manuscripts through publication stages and ensure high-level quality control.
• Review author proofs, enter and check corrections, and approve final files for publication.
• Identify and solve editorial situations with authors, journal office staff, and supervisors.
• Communicate with authors, managing editors, and colleagues across departments.
• Coordinate editing schedules and, at manager’s discretion, fulfill lead editor responsibilities.

Skills

Editing

Copyediting

XML editing

Communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Team collaboration

Foreign language background

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Bachelor's degree

Graduate coursework

Tools

XML-based editing software

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Department Press Journals Science Editorial About the Department Since its origins in 1890 as one of the three main divisions of the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Press has embraced as its mission the obligation to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. Through our books and journals, we seek not only to advance scholarly conversation within and across traditional disciplines but, in keeping with the University of Chicago's experimental tradition, to help define new areas of knowledge and intellectual endeavour.

Job Summary

Manuscript Editor I edits complex scholarly journal manuscripts in the fields of science and economics for style, grammar, and accuracy under supervision of senior members of the department. Using XML-based editing software, the editor implements journal style throughout the manuscript, including figure captions, tables, and math, and writes queries to authors. The editor moves manuscripts through the corrections process, final approval, and ahead-of-print posting online. This position works closely with editing colleagues and various departments throughout the Press.

Responsibilities

• Copyedit academic journal articles in science and economics following tight production schedules and deadlines.
• Copyedit all parts of a manuscript, including not only the main text, literature cited, and any appendixes but also figure captions, complex tables, and extensive math expressions and equations.
• Guide manuscripts through all publication stages and ensure high-level quality control.
• Review author proofs, enter and check corrections, and approve final files for publication.
• Identify and tactfully solve unique editorial situations with authors, journal office staff, and/or supervisors.
• Communicate extensively with authors, managing editors, and colleagues, including editorial supervisors and production staff.
• At manager’s discretion, fulfill lead editor responsibilities for journal oversight, including editing manuscripts for assigned journal(s) and others, following production schedules, maintaining style notes, training editors, communicating with production controllers and journal offices as needed, and checking paginated issues before final publication.
• Edits books, journals, or other written materials with some guidance from others.
• Establishes editing schedules.
• Coordinate all stages of manuscript editing and proof review up to the time the book is bound and edit and approve catalog and jacket materials with guidance from others.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree. Graduate coursework.
• Experience: Two years of prior publishing experience in copyediting or proofreading, preferably in scholarly journals or books rather than newspapers or magazines.
• Technical Knowledge or Skills: Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, XML-based editing, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Work independently and to interact confidently but flexibly with authors.
• Work cordially with colleagues at all levels.
• Tactfulness and diplomacy in dealing with authors, editors, and people in other departments.
• Concentrate and attend to highly detail-oriented tasks.
• Ability to focus, despite distractions in environment.
• Ability to work on multiple jobs simultaneously, involving manuscripts in various stages of the publication process, for multiple journals with different styles and procedures.
• Willingness to take direction.
• Willingness to take responsibility for meeting deadlines.
• Background in a foreign language.

Working Conditions

Hybrid in-person/remote work, at manager’s discretion.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required)

Job Family Communications Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5

Drug Test Required

No Health Screen Required

No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $45,900.00 - $59,400.00

Benefits Eligible Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773‑702‑5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university http://www.uchicago.edu/