Associate Editor – Life Sciences

• Oversee the editorial process for manuscripts submitted to PLOS journals.


• Use prior research experience, critical evaluation skills, and internal guidelines to make nuanced and complex editorial decisions.


• Serve as a point of escalation for complex and nuanced editorial queries.


• Support other teams at PLOS, members of the editorial board, and third-party editorial teams to ensure high standards of scientific rigor and editorial integrity are upheld.


• Evaluate submissions and make decisions based on reviewers’ comments.


• Participate in activities to develop editorial policy and improve the visibility and reputation of journals in the PLOS portfolio.


• Handle publication ethics queries.


• Build relationships with members of the academic community.


• Demonstrate a positive, constructive attitude to change and a growth mindset.


• Work with colleagues in the division and other teams to deliver developmental and promotional activities for PLOS journals.

Requirements

• Experience in a research environment, publishing, or other relevant industry.


• Highly organized and efficient, with strong critical assessment, and problem-solving abilities.


• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and oral.


• Able to work under tight deadlines whilst achieving a high standard of quality and accuracy.


• Able to set priorities and work independently.


• A PhD is required.


• Prolonged periods stationary at a desk and working on a computer.


• Some national and international travel may be required occasionally.


• Some flexibility to work across time zones.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in editorial decision-making and critical evaluation within a research or publishing environment, ensuring high standards of scientific rigor and integrity. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for managing complex editorial processes and building relationships within the academic community.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• PhD


• Editorial Decision-Making


• Critical Evaluation Skills


• Communication Skills


• Organizational Skills

Soft Skills

• Problem-Solving Abilities


• Positive Attitude to Change


• Growth Mindset


• Ability to Work Independently


• Ability to Work Under Tight Deadlines

Industry Keywords

• Editorial Process


• Publication Ethics


• Research Environment


• Scientific Rigor


• Editorial Integrity


• PLOS Journals


• Academic Community


• Editorial Policy


• Visibility and Reputation


• Third-Party Editorial Teams