Job Overview

Job Title: Publishing Assistant 

Contract: 12 Months Fixed Term

Location: London, Hybrid

Salary: £33,833

Application Closing Date: Friday 30th May 2025

In this hybrid role, you will support colleagues from the Publishing Team with administrative tasks related to the publication of a portfolio of leading biomedical journals.  As a vital member of the team, you will bring structure and order to core publishing processes, providing the crucial back office support that enables the busy team to deliver their objectives. 

You will have the opportunity to be engaged in project work, gain a greater understanding of the academic journal industry more widely, and develop knowledge and skills to enable you to progress in your publishing career.

Job Purpose 

The Publishing Assistant provides support across a large portfolio of specialist biomedical journals. This role is an essential part of the wider Publishing Team and involves assisting the Head of Portfolio, Senior Publisher, Publishers and Publishing Executive. 

This is a varied and busy role that requires excellent organisational, administrative and communication skills. Duties are wide-ranging, but include research and data collection to aid journal development across the portfolio; maintaining and updating journal records, finances, information files and websites; and organising and attending meetings.

Main Responsibilities

• Financial administration: Process supplier invoices based on payment schedules. Keep payment files up to date and handle confidential information in line with regulations. Ensure all payments relating to meetings are accounted for.

• Journal data and desk research: Collate regular and ad hoc data for general reporting, meeting reports and strategic development plans. Research competitors and landscape information to support new initiatives.

• Meeting management: Arrange suitable meeting dates with all attendees. Coordinate meeting logistics including videoconferencing, catering, reception passes, travel and accommodation. Attend and take meeting minutes when required.

• Editorial team administration: Maintain editorial board lists and conflict of interest statements on internal systems. Ensure new team members are set up appropriately. Keep websites up to date with team changes. Notify other departments of changes.

• Website maintenance: Update website information as required by the Publishing Team. 

• Social and multimedia management: Assist external editors with organising interviews. Upload new podcasts, videos and blog posts as required. 

• Other: Cover for the departmental Publishing Administrator or Publishing Team members when required. Participate in ad hoc Publishing Team projects.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Relevant experience in a scholarly publishing environment is desirable

• Proficient in standard software packages, such as Microsoft Office or Google Suite; basic web skills desirable (e.g. WordPress)

• Ability to research information independently

• Ability to prioritise workload

• Excellent attention to detail

• Written and verbal communication skills

• Self-motivated and results-focused

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

• Strengths-based development