Job Description

Acting Senior Editor (Maternity Cover)

Are you passionate about shaping high‑impact infectious diseases research and commentary for a global audience?

Would you like to contribute your editorial skills to a respected medical journal during a key period of change?

Location: London

About our Team

Our STMJ (Science, Technology, and Medical Journals) team publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed research that drives progress across scientific and medical disciplines. We collaborate closely with authors, editors, reviewers, and societies to ensure the integrity and impact of the published work. Through innovation in editorial workflows and publishing technology, we help global research communities discover, evaluate, and disseminate knowledge that advances science and improves lives.

About the Role

This is a temporary maternity cover role within The Lancet Infectious Diseases, supporting the journal’s editorial programme and daily operations. You will contribute to commissioning, peer review, and publication of content that informs global infectious diseases research, policy, and practice. The role offers the opportunity to work independently while collaborating closely with an experienced editorial team.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining links with the international infectious diseases communities, and scanning the current literature to aid in the identification of suitable material and authors for the journal

• Commissioning material for the journal as required

• Organising peer review of articles and other written material and negotiating with authors

• Writing editorials, news items, and other material for the journal or website

• Sub-editing material from all sections of the journal to improve clarity of expression, and to conform to journal style, and the limits of the space available

• Checking galley proofs and cross-reading journal pages, both as paper copies and on screen

• Managing specific sections of the journal and ensuring appropriate content is ready for publication on a regular basis

• Attending conferences and other events to represent the journal, identify suitable topics and authors, and keep up to date with current developments in digital health

Requirements

• Strong English language skills, with sound communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently while being an effective and adaptable team member

• Strong organisational skills with a proactive, can‑do approach to work

• Interest in medical publishing, with good analytical and problem‑solving skills

• A customer‑ and people‑focused approach

• Willingness to show initiative and adapt to the needs of a busy department

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office packages

Work in a Way that Works for You

We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organisation. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance, and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.

Working Pattern

Working flexible hours – flexing the times when you work in the day to help you fit everything in and work when you are the most productive.

About the Business

A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world's grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.

We know your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. We are delighted to offer country specific benefits. Click here to access benefits specific to your location.

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