Associate Publisher/ Publisher - Fixed Term Contract

Job Title: Associate Publisher/Publisher 

Location: London, Heidelberg, New York, (Hybrid Working)

Role type: Fixed Term Cover, Full Time 

Closing date: Thursday 22nd February 2024

The Springer Nature Journals group aims to support researchers in communicating and advancing discovery for a better world. We do this by providing a trusted environment in which researchers can quickly, easily and transparently share their discoveries, data and research stories.

Purpose of the role

We are excited to offer an opening to join our vibrant and innovative Springer Journals publishing team at Springer Nature, working on our respected and high-profile microbiology journals. In joining the team, you would become part of one of the world’s leading global scientific and medical publishers, with staff based in Europe, Asia and the Americas. We have a fantastic opportunity for an individual with a passion for scientific advancement to develop their publishing career and work alongside some of the best researchers in this field.

As Associate Publisher/Publisher (depending on experience), you would be responsible for a defined list of journals within the Biomedicine group, working as part of the team to grow the portfolio through strategic journal development and acquisitions. To develop the portfolio, you’ll enjoy being proactive, creative and data-driven to devise and implement journal development plans. As the primary publishing contact for your journals, you’ll work alongside leading academics and with colleagues from across the business, meaning excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships are key to ensure the smooth running and success of the journal portfolio. In this role, you’ll gain exposure to all aspects of the academic journal publishing industry. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with Editors-in-Chief, Society contacts, Editorial Board members and other stakeholders, acting as their key point of contact for publishing matters. This includes organizing and hosting Editorial Board meetings. Resolving queries and corresponding with Editors by email, phone and in person, ensuring that communications are responded to within a timely fashion and escalated when required. Build excellent relationships and team working within the immediate team and other departments. With the support of your line manager, prioritize journals for development in line with company strategy. Develop knowledge of the fields the portfolio operates within (e.g. to identify important journals/features/hot topics etc.) and use knowledge to actively identify journal development opportunities. Manage set-up activities for journals within your cluster within expected timeframes. Work alongside Editors and Editorial Board members to increase journal visibility, submissions and reputation within the field. Increase the portfolio’s share of citations compared to the competition, through article inflow, commissioning and appropriate marketing. Ensure appropriate representation in indexing services and work to ensure journals are performing at level for acceptance by selective services. Ensure that journals receive appropriate promotion (e.g. blogs, press releases, social media etc). Monitor the open access levels of your journals, and work with your line manager to implement a strategy to support open access development. Ensure that authors and reviewers who contact a journal receive appropriate support, ensuring that communications are responded to within a timely fashion (2 working days) and upscale when required. Monitor peer review data to optimize manuscript flow. Pre-empt issues and work with the Editorial Office as well as internal and external Editors to resolve any delays. Be familiar with COPE Guidelines to be able to advise on ethical queries, and ensure all journals in your portfolio comply with these. Ensure timely and correct data entry into relevant systems and databases, to enable monitoring of renewal dates and taking action as appropriate, correct honoraria payments, and that all journal information (e.g. on website and marketing material) is kept up to date. Represent the company at scientific conferences when required.

Experience, skills and qualifications 

ESSENTIAL

• Educated to Bachelor’s degree level, preferably with a scientific background Interest and understanding of publishing business models (subscription, hybrid, open access) Proven knowledge of publishing process and related matters Highly customer focused Excellent communication and influencing skills Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail Takes ownership to drive and complete tasks Proven ability to meet deadlines Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills Ability to adapt quickly to change A high level of computer literacy Able to work cooperatively with colleagues at all levels

DESIRABLE

• An interest in microbiology and related disciplines Prior experience working in a similar publishing role (journals or books) in a bioscience-related field Experience of establishing strong communities around specific journals Willing to travel occasionally and represent Springer Nature at external events

The position is offered on a full-time basis for a Fixed Term, and can be located in our London, Heidelberg or New York offices.

To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter outlining your key ambitions in the role, including your salary expectations and notice period.