Editorial Scholar
Job Overview
Job Title: Editorial Scholar
Contract: 12 Months Fixed Term Contract
Location: London Hybrid
Salary: £30,460
Application Closing Date: Friday 6th May 2026
Are you a medical student interested in learning how a medical journal is run? Do you have a passion for creating engaging content for medical students? If so, apply to be The BMJ’s next editorial scholar.
The editorial scholar takes one year out of medical school to work with The BMJ’s international team of editors and lead BMJ Student, the student section of The BMJ.
In this role you will:
- Be trained in journalism and editing
- Commission, peer review, select, and edit articles
- Plan, produce, and host episodes of The BMJ’s student podcast Sharp Scratch
- Be involved with publishing the journal for print and online
- Have the opportunity to write your own articles for BMJ Student as well as other sections within The BMJ
- Run BMJ Student’s social media channels
- Maximise the potential of The BMJ’s student offering.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have clinical experience and can communicate ideas effectively. You will be motivated, creative, and preferably have experience of medical or general journalism. You must be a medical student or newly qualified doctor.
The salary for this full time 12 month fixed term role is £30 460
We anticipate you will be working remotely most of the time. There will be opportunities to spend time in The BMJ London office.
Please submit the following, combined into one document:
- A covering letter (maximum 400 words) stating why you would be suitable for the position.
- Your CV.
- An outline of an idea for one Sharp Scratch episode (maximum 500 words). Please present your rationale for the episode, a bullet point plan that outlines three topics of conversation, and a suggestion for an expert guest.
- A proposal for one article aimed at medical students (maximum 300 words). State which BMJ Student article type it falls under, explain why the topic is important, relevant, and interesting to our readers, and outline what the article will cover. Please present your ideas as a bullet point plan, giving as much detail as possible within the word limit.
Please upload all documents as one single PDF.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 8th of May
We will interview shortlisted candidates by video call in May and would like the successful applicant to start in August 2026.
For further information, please contact Zaynah Khan, editorial scholar (zaynah.khan@bmj.com) or Emma Rourke, clinical editor (erourke@bmj.com).
Why work for us
Help us create a healthier world. We are a global healthcare knowledge provider. We publish The BMJ, one of the world’s most impactful medical journals and over 70 influential speciality journals. We offer digital tools to help health professionals worldwide tackle critical healthcare challenges. Find out more about us here.
Flexible Work and Workplace Perks
We’re committed to flexible working that supports both your needs and the requirements of the role.
Generous benefits
Generous double-matching employer pension contribution, up to 12%
Discounted dental and travel insurance
Seven x salary life assurance cover and a generous income protection package
Discounted gym membership, cycle-to-work and season ticket loan
Discounts for retail and leisure products through yourReward
Work-life balance and wellbeing
Twenty-five days holiday + bank holidays + a BMJ Day off.
Additional holiday through long service; buy up to 5 additional days
Leave for moving house, volunteering or getting married
Concierge service Seniorcare by Lottie
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are not buzzwords to us, but fundamental company priorities
We believe that a diverse workforce brings unique strengths and insights, enabling us to better serve our customers and drive positive change in our industry.
If you are from an under-represented or historically marginalised community, we are particularly interested in hearing from you.
Join our employee-led networks focusing on Gender, Race and Cultural Diversity, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health and Well-being, Parents and Carers and Age.
Disability Confident Committed employer
Learning & Development
Personal development plan
Mentoring scheme
Career Coaching
Opportunities to pursue professional development
Strengths-based development