Scientific Editor, The EMBO Journal

About the team/job

EMBO stands for excellence in the life sciences. We support talented researchers at all stages of their careers in Europe and beyond, stimulate the exchange of scientific information, and help build a research environment where scientists can achieve their best work. EMBO Press encompasses four prestigious scientific research journals, The EMBO Journal, EMBO Reports, Molecular Systems Biology andEMBO Molecular Medicine, and runs a fifth, Life Science Alliance, in association with Rockefeller UniversityPress and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.  

Your role

EMBO is seeking a Scientist with broad and international high-level research experience for the role of Scientific Editor at The EMBO Journal. The editor has a diverse set of responsibilities towards ensuring that The EMBO Journal and EMBO Press publish peer-reviewed material of the highest quality and broad general interest. The scientific editor reports to the Head of Scientific Publications, EMBO Press.

The successful candidate will be responsible for selecting research papers for publication, as well as commissioning reviews and commentaries in a number of subject areas, including neuroscience and immunology. The candidate will be expected to form extensive contacts to the scientific community and engage in regular travel to represent EMBO Press at conferences and research institutions. The scientific editor will be involved in all publication activities at the EMBO Press journals as well as other EMBO activities.

Specific responsibilities

• In the assigned subject areas, critical evaluation of submitted manuscripts, identification of suitable reviewers/advisors and the communication of appropriate editorial criteria and decisions;
• Commissioning, peer review and developmental editing of high-level reviews, commentaries and ‘News & Views’ articles in the assigned subject areas.
• The transfer of manuscripts that meet EMBO Press publication policies for editorial production;
• Attendance of conferences and visits to research institutions to represent The EMBO Journal, EMBO Press, as well as the other EMBO departments.
• The delivery of talks and training programmes related to scientific communication;
• Involvement in publicity and social media activities in assigned subject areas.
• Writing and editing of highlights, summaries and press releases in assigned subject areas;
• Involvement in the strategic development of EMBO Press publishing initiatives.
• Perform additional tasks as required by the Head of Scientific Publications or the EMBO Director.

This position will occasionally require working outside of the normal working hours, in the evenings or during the weekend during conferences or other events.

You have

• Completed successful postdoctoral research projects, preferably in one or more of the following fields: Neuroscience, Immunology, Apoptosis; other areas within the journals’ scope are also welcome;
• Experience working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, international academic environment, ideally in multiple countries;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
• A decisive, judicious, detail-oriented, analytical and impartial mind;
• Good organizational and multi-tasking skills, an ability to prioritise and to follow guidelines while working autonomously and under tight deadlines. 

You might also have

• Senior academic qualifications and experience as principal investigator;
• Editorial experience;
• Training experience in an academic setting.

Why join us

EMBO is a non-profit organization with a collegial working environment inspired by our dedication to working for a common greater good. Our recently expanded offices are located on the international EMBL life science research campus in Heidelberg, Germany. Heidelberg, home to around 150,000 people, is a lively university city. EMBO is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international science organisation. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial support for relocation and installation and family-related benefits where applicable.

This position is mostly office-based, with flexible working options available. 

What else you need to know

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed up to 9 years in total, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.

The Scientific Editor reports to the Head of EMBO Press.

Please supply the following documents with your application:

• CV/Resumé;
• A short cover letter outlining why you are attracted to the position and how your background and expertise would benefit the journal and EMBO;
• Bibliographic information. 

To apply, please click the 'Apply' button.