Job Description

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, 24-year-old Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely.

Your new role:

• Reporting to the Executive Editor, based in the UK.
• The Scientific Editor will oversee the editorial and strategic development of assigned academic journals, ensuring high-quality publishing standards and advancing journal impact.
• This role requires expertise in manuscript evaluation, editorial decision-making, teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and operational management.
• This role requires strong scientific expertise and the ability to critically evaluate research manuscripts across a broad range of medical and biomedical disciplines.
• The role involves regular collaboration with international colleagues and stakeholders across Sage's global publishing network.
• The successful candidate will contribute to journal growth through community engagement, Editorial Board development, commissioning activities, and journal development initiatives, while upholding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles in publishing practices.

As Scientific Editor – Open Access, you will :

1. Manuscript Evaluation and Decision Making

• Participate in the daily running of assigned journals.
• Understand and assess submitted papers on a broad range of topics within the aims and scopes of assigned journals.
• Evaluate and make final accept decisions on manuscripts at a level of deep understanding of the subject matter so that you can interrogate peer reviewers’ comments and author’s responses.
• Stay up-to-date with latest relevant research and publishing practices to be: confident in making final decisions; provide expert input when required.

2. Journal Strategy and Development

Provide expert input in the following areas:

• Lead Editorial Board recruitment and maintain a functioning editorial board.
• Research and suggest possible Special Collection topics, Guest Editors and article titles for the Commissioning team to enact.
• Marketing initiatives to target specific researchers.
• Improvements in journal processes and workflows that ensure maintenance of quality and ability to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

3. Team Leadership and Development

• Ability to coach other/new editorial team members, as required, fostering professional growth.
• Work within an inclusive and collaborative environment, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for team members and academic contributors.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure journal quality and reputation.
• In particular, work with Senior Scientific Editor and Journal Manager, as required, to ensure portfolio success.
• Advocate and implement DEI principles in manuscript evaluation and academic partnerships.

5. Operational Management

• Manage around 1200 submissions annually, ensuring journal performance metrics and KPIs are achieved, and that high-quality publishing is maintained.
• Stay informed on organizational strategies and initiatives, incorporating them into editorial work.

Could you be our new Scientific Editor – Open Access?

• A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline and/or an advanced medical degree. Candidates holding an MSc in a relevant subject area may also be considered, provided they have suitable editorial experience within scholarly publishing.
• In-depth postgraduate research in a relevant scientific discipline is desired.
• Previous editorial experience in assessing research manuscripts and handling manuscripts through peer review is an asset but not essential.
• Applications from researchers and academics with substantial peer review experience and a strong understanding of scholarly publishing are encouraged.
• Expertise in a broad range of topics within the subject area(s) of assigned journal(s) is the aim; however, candidates with in-depth knowledge of some of the areas and has the ability to learn on the job, will be considered.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, and a keen eye for detail to ensure consistent quality of work.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Professional working proficiency in English, with the ability to critically assess scientific manuscripts and communicate effectively in a global environment.

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.  As a business and as an organization with an increasingly agile workforce, we're open to flexible working arrangements where appropriate.

Company Acknowledgement

This job description is not contractual. To perform this role successfully, you must perform each of the key accountabilities satisfactorily. To meet changes in business operational, procedural or technical requirements Sage may add, remove or amend/change the accountabilities for this position and you should be aware that you may be asked to undertake reasonable tasks and activities outside those for which you are primarily employed.