Job Overview

Job Title: UK Research Editor

Contract: Permanent, part-time (0.8 FTE)

Salary: £67,440 - £74,935 (prorated to 0.8 FTE)

Location: BMA House, London - UK (Hybrid)

Application Closing Date: 10th March 2024

This is a 0.8 FTE post. We welcome candidates who wish to continue with part-time clinical or other academic work. The post holder must be based in the UK.

Responsibilities

The BMJ is looking for an outstanding editor to fill a senior role. As the UK Research Editor, you will help ensure that The BMJ publishes high quality international research. You will meet with UK researchers and authors in order to attract excellent, cutting-edge UK research for the journal. You will act as the handling editor for a portion of the research papers submitted to the journal, and oversee their progress through the peer review process. You will participate in decisions about which papers to publish, and work with authors to revise their papers in response to editorial and statistical comments. You will help manage internal research team scheduling, and respond to author and reader concerns and assist in handling other post-publication problems. You will help to recruit, train, and manage The BMJ’s international team of research editors, and play a major role in forming and implementing the research section’s strategy.

In this strategic role you will report to the Head of Research. You will be part of an experienced team of international research editors, freelance research editors, statisticians, and editorial advisers. You will help lead the strategic development of research content in line with The BMJ’s strategy and Key Performance Indicators. You will provide fast, fair, and high-quality service to authors.

You will be an internal and external advocate for data sharing and transparency, and champion a critical appraisal and evidence based approach to all the content The BMJ publishes. You will promote The BMJ as a leader at the cutting edge of publication of clinical research and research methods. As arranged, you will act as an ambassador for The BMJ at external meetings and participate in projects on The BMJ’s behalf. In doing so, you will demonstrate The BMJ values of patient centred, evidence-based practice, openness and transparency, and courage. 

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Essential: 

• Medically trained with previous or current experience of clinical practice

• A strong critical appraiser with excellent knowledge of research methods

• Experienced in editorial decision making, processes, and practices, particularly peer review

• An excellent people manager able to work with an international team that mostly meets virtually

• Knowledgeable about the needs of a diverse readership that is UK and international, and includes clinicians, policy-makers and researchers. 

Desirable:

• Understanding of The BMJ and its mission and values

• Skilled at editing and writing for print and digital readerships

• Familiarity with principles of research integrity

• Experience in working on a general medical journal like The BMJ

• Writing ability (particularly experience of writing or editing different types of content such as editorials or features)

• Commissioning experience

• Media experience (radio, television, social media, podcasts)

• Comfort with digital content and an online environment

• Experience conducting clinical trials or other types of medical research

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