Assistant Editor – Soil Ecology and Ecosystems

British Ecological Society

. Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the journal .

Posted 9/25/2026full-timeLondon • United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £35,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in scientific publishing and peer review processes, with strong communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders. Proficient in managing journal operations, content acquisition, and marketing strategies to enhance journal visibility and impact.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Scientific Publishing ExperiencePeer Review System ExperienceContent Management SystemsTime Management SkillsCommunication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Scientific PublishingPeer Review ProcessContent AcquisitionJournal MarketingCopy EditingDeadline ManagementDigital Publishing ToolsMS Office ProficiencyRecord KeepingBlog Management

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationTeam CollaborationProactive Work EthicAttention to DetailStakeholder Engagement

Tools & Technologies

Content Management SystemsSocial Media PlatformsOnline Campaign ToolsJournal Web PagesPublication Software

Industry Keywords

STM PublishingResearch SectorManuscript ProcessingJournal DevelopmentBES Annual Conference

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the journal
Manage a timely and fair peer review process for a successful international journal
Support content acquisition plans
Respond to enquiries from authors, reviewers and editors
Maintain accurate records of manuscript progress from submission to final acceptance or rejection
Contribute ideas for journal development and process improvements to the Managing Editor and Editors
Provide regular reports to Editors and Managing Editor on manuscript processing
Liaise with the publisher’s production department to ensure smooth publication
Assist with journal marketing and promotion through online campaigns, printed publicity and social media
Update journal web pages to highlight new content
Develop and manage the journal blog with the Blog Associate Editor
Attend the BES annual conference and other relevant external meetings as required
Carry out other appropriate duties in line with business needs

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven experience with scientific publishing
Ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally
Ability to translate complex information into accessible language and write or edit copy for a variety of audiences
Ability to work effectively and proactively, both as part of a team and independently
Time-management and organisation skills, with the ability to meet multiple deadlines and prioritise workload with good attention to detail
Experience with IT programmes including MS Office products and, ideally, content management systems
Understanding of social media and other digital publishing tools
Broad understanding of the research sector and STM publishing industry
Education to degree level or equivalent, ideally in a relevant subject
Ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders
Experience using a peer review system (desirable)
Right to live and work in the UK
Applicants must provide evidence of UK right to work; visa sponsorship is unavailable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Voluntary, opt-in 4-day working week model for all full-time staff; 32 hours over 4 or 4.5 days at no loss of salary
25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 each year to a maximum of 30 days
Additional leave between Christmas and New Year
Generous paid sick leave policy
BES contributes the equivalent of 8% of annual salary into a sustainable pension fund
Monthly well-being activities, including social trips, creative courses and sustainable gifts
Hybrid working
Casual dress code
Free coffee, fresh fruit, pastries and toast
Regular social activities
Dedicated break-out working space
Dedicated private well-being room