Scientific Editor role

About the job:

Sage Publishing is looking for Scientific Editors to join our STM Open Access journals team, which includes the titles Journal of International Medical Research and Science Progress. The Scientific Editors will work on medical manuscripts and perform initial scope checks and decision making on assigned journals, making best use of their in-depth understanding of topics and publishing in accordance with Sage policies and publishing standards. They will also provide expert input in the areas of editorial board recruitment, special projects, journal development/strategy and optimising workflows and processes. The person needs to be a team player and uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles in their daily work.

Key Accountabilities:

• Assess submitted papers on a broad range of topics within the aims and scopes of assigned journals
• Make 'final accept' decisions on manuscripts at a level of deep understanding of the subject matter, involving interrogating peer reviewers' comments and author's responses
• Keep up to date with latest relevant research and publishing practices to be confident in making final decisions across the full scope of their journals
• Using your expertise, provide input into Editorial Board recruitment, suggest potential Special Collection topics and Guest Editors for our Commissioning team and provide insight for our marketing initiatives
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, in particular the Senior Scientific Editor, Journal Manager and Editorial Board members to ensure journal quality and reputation
• Manage a high volume of submissions annually, ensuring journal performance metrics and KPIs are achieved, and that high-quality publishing is maintained
• Work within an inclusive and collaborative environment, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for team members and academic contributors, advocate for DEI principles in manuscript evaluation.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• A PhD in a medical science such as pharmacology or biochemistry. Postdoctorate experience is desirable but not required
• Previous editorial experience in scholarly publishing is required
• Ability to review and evaluate research and learn new areas of research
• Develop expertise in a broad range of topics within the scope of assigned journals
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, and a keen eye for detail to ensure consistent quality of work
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an international setting
• Ability to efficiently manage and prioritize a high volume of manuscript submissions through to final decision
• Commitment to research integrity, transparency, and open science
• A proactive, growth-focused mindset, good commercial awareness and a strong understanding of the Open Access journals publishing business and processes.

Join us and be part of a mission-driven, independent publisher. You’ll work with a diverse group of people who share a passion for empowering researchers, educators, and institutions to shape the future.
About Sage
Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely. Our Guaranteed Independence Means We’re Free To:

• Do more – supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioural science make an impact
• Work together – building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning

Think long-term – experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas.

JOB PURPOSE

The Scientific Editor is responsible for manuscript evaluation and decision making on assigned journals, making best use of their in-depth understanding of topics and publishing in accordance with Sage policies and publishing standards. They will also provide expert input in the areas of editorial board recruitment, special projects, journal development/strategy and optimizing workflows and processes. The person needs to be a team player and uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles in their daily work.

KEY ACCOUNT ABILITIES

• Assess submitted papers on a broad range of topics within the aims and scopes of assigned journals
• Make 'final accept' decisions on manuscripts at a level of deep understanding of the subject matter, involving interrogating peer reviewers' comments and author's responses
• Keep up to date with latest relevant research and publishing practices to be confident in making final decisions across the full scope of their journals
• Using your expertise, provide input into Editorial Board recruitment, suggest potential Special Collection topics and Guest Editors for our Commissioning team and provide insight for our marketing initiatives
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, in particular the Senior Scientific Editor, Journal Manager and Editorial Board members to ensure journal quality and reputation
• Manage a high volume of submissions annually, ensuring journal performance metrics and KPIs are achieved, and that high-quality publishing is maintained
• Work within an inclusive and collaborative environment, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for team members and academic contributors, advocate for DEI principles in manuscript evaluation.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A PhD in a medical science such as pharmacology or biochemistry. Postdoctorate experience is desirable but not required
• Previous editorial experience in scholarly publishing is required Ability to review and evaluate research and learn new areas of research
• Develop expertise in a broad range of topics within the scope of assigned journals
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, and a keen eye for detail to ensure consistent quality of work
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an international setting
• Ability to efficiently manage and prioritize a high volume of manuscript submissions through to final decision
• Commitment to research integrity, transparency, and open science
• A proactive, growth-focused mindset, good commercial awareness and a strong understanding of the Open Access journals publishing business and processes.

A cover letter is important to us, this offers the hiring manager valuable insights into how your skill set aligns with the role, what unique contributions you can bring to the team and why you are interested in this position. Therefore, when applying for this role online, please upload your cover letter and CV as one document.

Applications without a cover letter may regrettably not be reviewed.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Sage we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that is representative of all sections of society and to sustaining a culture that celebrates difference, encourages authenticity, and creates a deep sense of belonging. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief as creating value through diversity is what makes us strong.