Assistant Editor - Soil Ecology and Ecosystems

British Ecological Society

About the Organisation

British Ecological Society (BES) was the first ecology society to be established anywhere in the world. We are now one of the biggest scientific societies for ecologists, with a membership of over 7,000 across 125 countries. We foster the study of ecology and support the ecology community at all stages of their careers through our journals, meetings, grants, and education and policy work. Our vision is for nature and people to thrive in a world inspired by ecology.

About the role

We are seeking someone to assist the BES in publishing a brand new journal in the society’s world-renowned portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking for an interesting and varied editorial role to be part of an experienced publications team. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with demonstrable experience in an academic publishing role. Reporting to the Head of Product Development, the Assistant Editor will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the journal but will also work closely with the rest of the publications team, providing additional support across the portfolio.

Responsibilities

Content Acquisition:

• Support the Editors and Head of Product Development in implementing commissioning plans
• Contact prospective authors about writing a paper, and help to ensure these are submitted on time
• Assist with the creation, promotion, and administration of article collections by working with guest editors and authors to ensure timely delivery

Manage the Peer Review Process:

• Check new submissions on receipt to ensure that they are complete and appropriate before passing them on to Editors
• Work with Editors to select and recruit reviewers, obtain reviews and ensure decisions are communicated to authors within an agreed timeframe 
• Monitor progress on manuscripts to identify and resolve potential bottlenecks 
• Answer author/reviewer queries where possible, and chase progress on those that have to be referred to an Editor 
• Help to resolve any disputes arising during the peer review process 
• Ensure that accurate records are maintained on the processing of all manuscripts 
• Maintain a library of fair, constructive and clear email templates for routine correspondence 
• Keep up to date with  developments to the peer review platform to ensure that the system continues to serve BES journals effectively

Production:

• Ensure that covers, running order, and adequate copy are sent to the publishers according to an agreed schedule 
• Maintain regular contact with the Production Editor so that publication runs smoothly 
• Ensure that publication quality is maintained by checking and approving accepted articles and final issue proofs before publication

Marketing and Online Publishing:

• In collaboration with the publisher and Head of Product Development, promote journals via online campaigns, printed publicity and any other initiatives as appropriate 
• Use social media tools to promote the journals and maximise traffic to journal articles 
• Assist the Head of Product Development to produce and implement the Annual Marketing Plan in conjunction with the publisher 
• In conjunction with the Head of Product Development, Associate Editors and Editors, identify articles with potential wider interest and highlight to the BES Media Relations Officer, other media contacts and the publisher’s marketing staff 
• Work closely with Editors and authors to develop online materials to support published papers, including blog posts, podcasts and videos  
• Update journal web pages regularly to highlight new journal content 
• Assist the Head of Product Development to identify links between journal activities and BES marketing strategies and initiatives, e-bulletin

Supporting the Journal Team:

• Provide regular reports from the database on all aspects of manuscript processing and Associate Editor metrics to Editors and Head of Product Development 
• Attend BES Annual Meeting and any journal-relevant meetings as required 
• Ensure there is regular communication with the journal team, including Editors, Associate Editors, reviewers and authors 
• Support the team of Associate Editors, familiarising them with BES journal policies and standard journal practices 
• Assist Head of Product Development and Director of Publishing with any other tasks required to ensure the successful running of the BES publishing operation 

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Requirements:  

• Proven experience with scientific publishing  
• Ability to communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally, with a wide range of stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively and proactively, both as part of a team and independently 
• Time-management and organisation skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines and prioritise workload with good attention to detail 
• Experience with a range of IT programmes including MS Office products and, ideally, content management systems 
• Understanding of, and familiarity with, social media and other digital publishing tools 
• Understanding (broadly) of the research sector and STM publishing industry
• Able to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.

Desirable:  

• Experience using  a peer review system 

Required Qualifications

• Education to degree level (or equivalent), ideally in a relevant subject

Compensation & Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 each year to a maximum of 30 days, plus additional leave between Christmas and New Year's.
• BES also offers a generous paid sick leave policy.
• Contributes the equivalent of 8% of your annual salary into a sustainable pension fund.
• The Society runs monthly well-being activities, including social trips, creative courses and sustainable gifts.
• We endeavour to make our new custom-designed office a relaxed environment, with a casual dress code, free coffee, fresh fruit, pastries and toast, and regular social activities.

Conditions of employment

• Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Successful applicants will need to provide evidence that they have the right to live and work in the UK. The BES is unable to provide visa sponsorship and is unable to hire anyone living outside the UK.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• For more information and to apply, please apply on our website and complete the application page.
• To apply for this vacancy, please submit:
  • Your CV - no more than 2x A4 pages detailing your education, training and work history, as well as any relevant key skills
  • Your answers to the outlined application questions
• We recognise that AI tools can support candidates in refining their job applications, particularly in improving clarity and language. If you choose to use AI to assist with your application, please remember that you are responsible for the content and quality of your application.
• AI may be used to improve - but must not replace - your own voice and experience. Applications must reflect your own understanding, experience and suitability for the role. We encourage all applicants to review their submission carefully before sending.

Interviews

• The interview is Thursday 22nd October 2026.

Policies

We recognise the value in having a diverse workforce, as well as the importance of creating equal opportunities for all. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We select candidates based on how well they meet the criteria for the role and are committed to ensuring that applicants are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.

As part of your application, we ask you to provide equality and diversity information. This is entirely voluntary and is only used to help us to assess the diversity of our recruitment and further improve recruitment processes in future. It has no bearing on the success of your application and is not considered as part of the shortlisting process.

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