PLOS One Associate Editor - Life Sciences

*This position is fully remote/home based. Applications will be accepted from candidates based in the UK and the following US states: FL, IL, MA, MD, NY, PA, TX, VA.

In the US, this is a union represented position as part of the Pacific Media Workers Guild, Local 39521 of the NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America.

Role Summary

PLOS is a nonprofit organization on a mission to drive open science forward with measurable, meaningful change in research publishing, policy, and practice. We believe in a better future where science is open to all, for all. 

The Associate Editor oversees the editorial process for manuscripts submitted to PLOS journals. This role will require the use of prior research experience, critical evaluation skills, and internal guidelines to make nuanced and complex editorial decisions. The Associate Editor works with colleagues in their division and other teams to deliver developmental and promotional activities for PLOS journals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a point of escalation for complex and nuanced editorial queries.

• Support other teams at PLOS, members of the editorial board, and third-party editorial teams to ensure high standards of scientific rigor and editorial integrity are upheld.

• Evaluate submissions and make decisions based on reviewers’ comments.

• Participate in activities to develop editorial policy and improve the visibility and reputation of journals in the PLOS portfolio.

• Handle publication ethics queries.

• Build relationships with members of the academic community.

• Demonstrate a positive, constructive attitude to change and a growth mindset.

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in a research environment, publishing, or other relevant industry.

• Highly organized and efficient, with strong critical assessment, and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and oral.

• Able to work under tight deadlines whilst achieving a high standard of quality and accuracy.

• Able to set priorities and work independently.

Qualifications

• A PhD is required. 

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Prolonged periods stationary at a desk and working on a computer

• Some national and international travel may be required occasionally

• Some flexibility to work across time zones

The base salary range we’ve established for these positions is (UK) £35,000 - £38,950 / (US) $67000 to $73,625. PLOS also offers a comprehensive benefits package summarized below. 

BENEFITS:

US:

• 401k with employer match
• Employee sponsored health, dental and vision insurance (Dental and Vision 100% employer paid)
• Paid Vacation, 11 public holidays and sick leave
• Parental leave
• Birthday and three winter holidays days off
• Short term and long term disability insurance
• 2 days paid time off for volunteering per year
• Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office 

UK:

• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Income protection 
• Personal accident insurance
• Pension with up to 10% employer match
• 25 days holidays, market competitive Maternity and Paternity leave
• Birthday and three winter holidays days off
• 2 days paid time off for volunteering per year
• Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office

About PLOS 

Building on a strong legacy of pioneering innovation, PLOS continues to be a catalyst in open science, reimagining models to meet open science principles, removing barriers and promoting inclusion in knowledge creation and sharing, and publishing research outputs that enable everyone to learn from, reuse and build upon scientific knowledge.

Our work is supported by a highly skilled global in-house team, partnerships with local scholarly organizations, and the valued contributions of a diverse, international community of scientific researchers.

We’re committed to equal opportunity

We’re working to create a more equitable system of scientific knowledge and understanding. Removing barriers to inclusion and facilitating broad participation of voices is core to our success, inside and out. 

Beyond accepting distinct perspectives, we seek and support divergent backgrounds among our staff because we know differences strengthen our teams, our work, and our communities. We strongly encourage applicants of all identities to join us as we work towards a future where science is open to all, for all. 

Visit plos.org/careers to learn more.

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