Publishing Editor, Journals

The Royal Society of Chemistry publishes over 55 world-leading journals that span the core chemical sciences and related fields. Known for rigorous, fair peer review and fast publication times, our journals publish the best science, from original research articles to authoritative reviews. As a not-for-profit publisher, we reinvest surplus funds back into the global scientific community, supporting our purpose to help the chemical science community make the world a better place.  

At the RSC we embrace flexibility and offer hybrid working, which means our teams come together when they need to collaborate. Although this role is contractually based at our Cambridge office, you will be able to work from home within the UK, with the expectation that you will attend the office as needed for your role. In this role it is expected that you will attend the office on an ad-hoc basis. If you need flexible working arrangements, please outline this in your application

We are looking for a Publishing Editor to join our Journal team on a part time (28 hours per week) temporary (18 months) basis. This role is an essential part of the whole publication process and works closely with external researchers (who are acting as authors, editors/board members, reviewers, etc.). This is a varied role where you will use your scientific knowledge, creativity, and team work to provide excellent customer service to our authors and reviewers.  

Benefits: 

At the Royal Society of Chemistry, we promote a healthy work/life balance and flexible working options across the organisation. In these roles it is expected that you will attend the office on an ad-hoc basis. If you need flexible working arrangements, please outline this in your application. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all employees including: 

• 26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro-rated for part time) 

• Up to 12% pension contribution  

• 28-hour working week with flexible options 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave 

• Paid volunteering days 

To view the rest of our employee benefits, click here. 

We are happy to accept applications from candidates at all stages of their careers. Our aim is that our workforce, at all levels, will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give their best. 

*We offer a competitive Salary Progression Scheme for this role. The starting salary is £28,255. After 3 years of experience in the role, and with good performance, the salary will increase to £31,394  per annum. 

Essential Requirements: 

• A degree in science, or relevant equivalent experience 

• Excellent communication skills interacting with internal and external colleagues 

• Strong organisational and time-management skills together with the ability to work under pressure, prioritise and to meet deadlines 

• Ability to work well as part of a team 

• A proactive approach to problem solving 

• Good attention to detail 

Responsibilities include: 

• Work in a defined journal portfolio, typically of 4-6 titles 

• Carry out the assessment and selection (through peer review) of high-quality articles and reviews for publication 

• Attract world class authors to publish in the journals through direct invitation 

• Assist in the peer review of manuscripts submitted to the journal(s) by advising and supporting external Editors. 

• Support the production of journals, including issue make up, themed collections, and associated tasks 

• Provide exceptional customer service to authors, reviewers, and external editors 

Please find the full job description here.

At the RSC, we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce and welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply. We particularly encourage applications from disabled and ethnic minority candidates. 

As a part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we endeavour, where possible, to offer an interview to candidates meeting the essential criteria of the role, who has a substantial physical/mental impairment which impacts their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.