Publishing Platform Lead

Geological Society of London

Start date
26th May 2026

About the Organisation

Founded in 1807, we are the oldest geological society in the world. Today, we are a world-leading communicator of Earth science through publishing, library and information services, cutting-edge scientific conferences, education activities, and outreach to the general public. We also provide impartial scientific information and evidence to support policy-making and public debate about the challenges facing humanity.

We have a membership (Fellowship) of approximately 12,000, more than 2,000 of whom are based outside the UK. Approximately 3,000 are Chartered Geologists or Chartered Scientists - professionals who have demonstrated a high level of technical competence in their field and a commitment to professional ethics.

About the role

To oversee the smooth running of the Society’s publishing platform, which showcases our portfolio of online titles. Reporting to the Head of Publishing Operations (HoPO), you will be chiefly responsible for the management, support, and maintenance of the Atypon-powered Lyell Collection platform. You will collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless operations and stay up to date with the latest emerging platform technologies. You will be responsible for maintaining the Society’s online publishing platforms, so an understanding of a range of standard integrations, workflows, html and XML is essential.

Responsibilities

Platform Maintenance:

• Oversee and maintain the Atypon Web Admin Tool (WAT) for the Society’s scholarly book and journal platform.
• Manage a queue of platform maintenance and change requests, including triage, feasibility analysis, testing and quality assurance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for reporting platform issues to Atypon (the hosting provider), managing communications, and monitoring the support ticket system to ensure timely resolution.
• Provide technical support and troubleshoot platform issues reported internally and communicate resolution statuses.
• Support the development of new platform features and assist with implementation and QA.
• Maintain, validate, edit, and troubleshoot JATS XML while staying current with JATS and NISO standards and ensuring vendor compliance.
• Set up new pages and journal/book series sites within the platform as needed, ensuring all new website content is consistent with site templates and branding.
• Ensure that any new developments are tested and work as per requirements, utilizing the test facilities of the platform via sandbox areas

Third Party Tools and Services:

• Act as the point of contact with vendors who provide supporting or downstream services for the Lyell Collection, CrossRef, Digital Science, indexing services etc.
• Oversee the smooth deposit of selected content via Zipline into the GeoScienceWorld (GSW) platform, hosted by Silverchair. This is published via multiresolution doi on both the Lyell Collection and GSW.

Accessibility:

• Manage web accessibility compliance in collaboration with internal teams and external vendors by overseeing the implementation of necessary improvements in line with publishing standards and directives.
• Check that any changes in XML tagging or online display meet accessibility requirements.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential:

• Experience with STM publishing platforms (Atypon greatly preferred)
• Strong working knowledge of JATS (and BITS) XML and HTML
• Experience working with CrossRef and content registration
• Experience with web accessibility standards (WCAG), including their application in evaluating, developing, and maintaining accessible digital content and platforms.
• Experience in QA testing, issue identification, and reporting to support platform quality and improvement. 
• Excellent IT proficiency and full familiarity with the normal range of office publishing software
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Skilled in workflow documentation and technical communication.
• Effective facilitator and communicator with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Organized, deadline-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities. 

Desirable:

• Experience with Atypon’s WAT publishing platform experience console
• Experience with the Atypon Insights reporting system
• Publishing platform experience
• Multiresolution DOI knowledge
• Experience using ticketed support systems, such as JIRA, Freshdesk, and Salesforce
• Google Analytics
• Strong project management skills
• Experience collaborating across teams and an ability to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement
• Experience of working for a learned or professional society (or other charitable organisation with trustees, committees, and volunteers)
• Ability to update accessibility statements and VPATs.

Person Specification:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to collaborative working across the Society
• Self-motivated, proactive, with the confidence to act independently and with a flexible approach
• A commitment to personal development and learning
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines, prioritising work accordingly
• Positivity and enthusiasm 

Required Qualifications

• Graduate (or higher) level qualification

Compensation & Benefits

• As an employee-conscious company, we invest in our staff by emphasising training, growth, and progression in every role. We firmly believe in creating a positive workplace wellbeing culture and offer a range of benefits to our staff, including:
  • 25 days basic holiday entitlement you start, increasing up to 30 days with continued service (pro-rated for part-time staff)
  • Option to purchase up to 2 extra holiday days per year
  • Contributory pension scheme with 10% employer contribution
  • Access to 24/7 online GP with mental health & wellbeing counselling
  • Free premium Headspace account for you and 2 members of your friends/family
  • Discounts and recognition scheme
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Season Ticket Loan scheme
  • Life Assurance and Income Protection schemes
  • Free access to Royal Academy exhibitions
  • Free Geological Society Fellow membership for qualified staff

Conditions of employment

• All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Bath office and remotely

How to apply

• To apply for this position, please forward a copy of your CV together with a cover letter to [email protected]. Please ensure that your cover letter highlights your experience in no more than 750 words.
• As part of our inclusive recruitment initiative, we have introduced the concept of anonymous recruiting to evaluate applicants solely on their skills and experience. With this in mind, we encourage you to:
  • Anonymise your application by stating only your initials in your CV (including your file name) and cover letter.
  • State your initials only in the subject line when sending your application.
  • Ensure that you have included your contact email and number, as well as dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the indicative timetable.

Interviews

• Please let us know if you will require any special provisions to be made should you be called for an interview. We regret that unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.

Policies

The Society is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality, values diversity, and maintains a harmonious, inclusive environment in which the rights and dignity of all its members, visitors, and staff are respected. We are an equal opportunity employer, and the post-holder will be expected to adhere to and support the Society’s commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion.

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