Associate Editorial Director – 2 Year FTC

PLOS

. Oversee PLOS Biology and PLOS Medicine and manage their professional Editors-in-Chief .

Posted 10/23/2026contractRemote • United KingdomLead💰 £90,000 - £104,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive editorial leadership in STM publishing, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Proven ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives while managing high-performing teams and optimizing editorial workflows.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Relevant Subject Area5+ Years Editorial ExperienceStrong Business AcumenExperienced People ManagerCommitment To Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Editorial OversightJournal Performance MetricsBudget ManagementStrategic DevelopmentWorkflow Optimization

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsInnovative ThinkingRelationship Building

Industry Keywords

STM PublishingOpen ScienceCommunity EngagementEditorial PoliciesPeer-Review Processes

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee PLOS Biology and PLOS Medicine and manage their professional Editors-in-Chief
Provide editorial oversight for journals led by academic volunteers across biology, human health and environmental health
Develop and execute editorial strategies aligned with PLOS commitments to Open Science, DEI, community engagement, trusted content and customer service
Identify opportunities to expand the journal portfolio
Develop and oversee multi-term journal performance metrics
Develop and manage annual budgets with the Publishing Director
Optimize editorial workflows, systems and reporting with Operations colleagues and vendors
Promote journal content and PLOS’s mission and drive journal submissions and uptake of Open Science practices
Ensure cohesive editorial policies and quality standards across the portfolio
Lead cross-journal initiatives and oversee systems and workflow development
Oversee participation in community initiatives, conferences and events
Lead a team of Editorial staff with up to 4 direct reports
Translate strategy into tactics and monitor progress against goals
Build relationships with Editorial Boards
Address underperformance in collaboration with the Line Manager and People & Culture team
Act as thought-partner to and deputize for the Editorial Director
Improve diversity among staff, Editorial Boards, peer-reviewers and authors
Help eliminate bias in manuscript processing and editorial decision-making
Maintain industry knowledge and represent PLOS at approximately 1–2 industry events per year

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD and post-doctoral experience (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area
Substantial editorial experience (5+ years) with progressively increased managerial responsibility in STM publishing required
Track record in managing a group of successful journals and teams distributed internationally
Passionate interest in science and scientists
Proven commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in science and scholarly publication
Strong business acumen
Wide network of contacts within global scientific communities
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, to innovate and to implement creative solutions
Experienced people manager with a track record of managing high-performing teams through change
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Benefits

Comp & perks

Private medical insurance
Life assurance
Income protection
Personal accident insurance
Pension with up to 10% employer match
25 days holidays
Market competitive Maternity and Paternity leave
Birthday and three winter holidays days off
2 days paid time off for volunteering per year
Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office