Assistant Editor Research Papers

Reports to: Senior Research Editor

Department: Publications

Salary range: £31,500 - £35,000 based on skills and experience

Location: London Office (Hybrid)

Contract: Full time, Permanent

About RUSI

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is the worlds oldest and the UKs leading independent think tank engaged in cutting edge research in defence and security. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on a safer and more stable world. RUSI is a research-led institute, producing independent, practical and innovative analysis to address todays complex challenges.

RUSI publishes a wide variety of research outputs, including Research Papers, Commentaries, Newsbriefs, among others. It also houses the RUSI Journal, a leading peer-reviewed academic journal in defence and security that was first established in 1857 and is published by Taylor and Francis. RUSI produces approximately 60 research publications per year. These publications combine scholarly rigour and policy relevance and are intended to be readable for a wide audience. The Institutes published works are well regarded for their accuracy and clarity of expression on often-technical topics.

Main Purpose of the role

We are now recruiting for an Assistant Editor-Research Papers to work on RUSIs long-form research outputs as well as across all other publication outputs within the RUSI Publications team.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity for those interested in editing research outputs and working closely with authors from the pitch stage to publication.

Although the Assistant Editor is expected to work on all publication outputs, this role will have a particular focus on Research Papers and outputs and the successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Research Editor. As such, this role requires a good understanding of research as well as proven track-record and experience in an editorial/publishing role.

The successful candidate will be expected to have a meticulous approach to editing, be pro-active, adopt a positive, flexible and problem-solving attitude, have the ability to work independently across a range of products and tasks and manage different publication projects.

Key tasks

• Carry out content, copyedits and proofs of Research Papers and other publications outputs as needed. Upload content to website and arrange print copies, where needed.
• Assist the Senior Research Editor (SRE) in project managing submitted papers at research editorial stage, including peer review, scheduling and author liaison.
• In coordination with the Managing Editor, project manage papers from first edit to publication.
• Assist the SRE in coordinating research paper submissions by authors and manage editorial requests and enquiries in consultation with the SRE.
• Assist the SRE in reviewing paper pitches and early research paper drafts as part of the manuscript development process.
• Participate and contribute with feedback, as needed, in meetings with authors as part of the manuscript development process.
• Work closely with the SRE on complex papers requiring diplomacy with authors and coming up with concrete work plans in order to render submitted manuscripts publishable.
• Lead on the peer review process by researching and reaching out to suitable experts to review submitted Research Papers.
• Manage and regularly update the peer review database in consultation with the SRE, other members of the Publications team and researchers across the Institute.
• Together with the SRE, provide authors with guidance and support in order to respond to peer review feedback, and assist the SRE in reviewing the authors response to peer review feedback.
• Assist the SRE in developing, organising and delivering training sessions on research-related topics including methods and research ethics as needed.
• Record and report completed projects accurately for financial and audit purposes.

The above list of duties is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role.

Our expectations

We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSIs Vision and Values https://rusi.org/content/values and Equal Opportunities Statement

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

• Proven track-record of working in a publishing environment in either an editorial or project management capacity.
• Good knowledge of and/or experience in research and peer review.
• Demonstrable project management experience and skills.
• A degree and post-graduate qualification or equivalent.
• Excellent command of the English language with a proven ability to spot errors and inconsistencies and adhere to house style.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate and manage complex projects.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic team.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills and the ability to manage various tasks and projects with tight deadlines.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word.

Desirable skills

• An Advanced research degree or advanced research experience.
• Experience working in an academic or other research institution.
• Good understanding of policy research.
• Knowledge and experience of Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign.
• Experience of using a content management system.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (rising with service)
• Additional days off during Christmas - RUSI Christmas closure days
• Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution,
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
• Weekly staff lunch in our London office (one day a week)
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

• Depending on length of service

Application Process

To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions.

You will be asked to include:

• Your CV
• Cover letter of no more than one page.

Closing date: 5 pm UK on 07 February 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged.

Please note that all short-listed candidates will be asked to take a written test.

Equal Opportunity and Values

At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed in promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and make it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creating a more diverse workforce.

Were aware that the questionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds and identities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note that this data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. If you are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip the questions entirely.

If you have any questions, please contact hr@rusi.org