Job Overview

The BMJ is one of the world’s leading general medical journals. Our mission is to lead the debate on health and to engage, inform, and stimulate doctors, researchers, and other health professionals in ways that will improve outcomes for patients. We are looking for a freelance associate research editor to join us and work within the research editorial team to read, select, and handle the peer review and editing of research papers.

The Research section of the journal handles approximately 3600 research papers a year.

Ideally, the successful candidate will work flexibly for The BMJ one to two days a week and continue with outside clinical and/or academic work on other days. The job holder has the option of working remotely and we encourage applications from candidates based outside the UK.

Responsibilities:

• Reading, appraising, and managing peer review of research articles using a web based manuscript tracking system

• Attending the weekly manuscript committee meeting on Thursdays (in person or by phone) to discuss submitted papers

• Liaising with authors, reviewers and technical editors regarding revisions

• Assisting with screening of research papers, teaching and interacting with trainees, liaising with patient reviewers and The BMJ patient editor

• As negotiated, representing The BMJ at professional meetings or outside venues.

Qualifications & skills:

Essential attributes:

• Medical degree - please do not apply if you do not hold a medical degree

• strong communication skills

• fluency in written and spoken English

• ability to work well alone and in a team

• experience in appraising medical research

Desirable attributes:

• Active in clinical practice and/or clinical research

• experience of medical editing and journal peer review

• critical appraisal skills

• willing to travel to conferences / professional meetings / London office

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

• Flexible work available to all employees: Remote first; Core hours; 9-day fortnight

• Discounted onsite gym and fitness classes 

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