Job Opportunity: Head of Publishing at IUCr

Are you ready to lead publishing endeavours at the forefront of crystallography? The IUCr is seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of Head of Publishing, overseeing our journals and other publications. As the primary liaison between editorial teams, the Executive Committee and external partners, this role is instrumental in maintaining operational excellence of our publications.

About the Role

Editorial Oversight: Collaborate closely with the Editor-in-Chief to uphold the scientific integrity and editorial standards of our journals. Manage technical editing and validation processes, and ensure adherence to journal conventions and styles.

Submission and Peer Review: Spearhead efficient submission and peer review systems, ensuring timely decision-making and upholding ethical standards. Facilitate research integrity tests and oversee crystallographic data validation processes.

Research and Development: Drive innovation in publishing technologies by overseeing software development initiatives. Collaborate with the Research and Development team to enhance author tools and submission processes.

Publishing Strategy: Lead negotiations with publishing partners, manage subscription and open-access models, and oversee content distribution to ensure maximum visibility and accessibility.

Managerial Responsibilities: Alongside the CEO, manage editorial staff, providing guidance on staffing matters and fostering a culture of excellence and professional development.

Union Engagement: Act as a key liaison with the CEO and Executive Committee, providing insights on publishing matters and representing the Union at external forums and conferences.

Journals Development: Provide strategic guidance on journal development, including open-access policies and digital initiatives. Collaborate with editors on special issues and marketing efforts to enhance journal impact and reach.

Typesetting and Printing: Ensure high-quality typesetting and printing processes, negotiating with suppliers and driving continuous improvement in production methods. 

Specific Terms and Conditions

The position is full-time, based at our central office in Chester, UK. Occasional remote work is possible under special circumstances.

The position may require travel up to 10% of the time.

Salary starts from £67,000 and is dependent on experience.

Probationary period of six months, with a notice period of six months thereafter.

Annual leave entitlement of 28 working days, with increases based on length of service.

Excellent company pension.

Are You the One We're Looking For?

We're seeking a dynamic individual with a passion for scientific publishing and a track record of leadership in academic or professional settings. The ideal candidate will possess the following:

A deep understanding of scientific publishing processes and standards.

Strong managerial and organisational skills, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive innovation.

Excellent communication and negotiation abilities, with a proven track record of building successful partnerships.

A commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting diversity and inclusion in publishing.

Experience in publishing crystallographic data or structural science would be a bonus.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Structural Science Publishing!

If you're ready to make a significant impact on the global scientific community and advance the frontiers of publishing structural science, we want to hear from you. Apply now to become the Head of Publishing at IUCr and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in scientific communication.

Application Procedure

To apply for the position please submit a CV, a covering letter detailing your suitability for the post, plus the names of at least two persons who can provide references (references will not be requested without the applicant's permission), to [email protected] by 7 June 2024. If candidates would like to discuss the role in advance of an application, please email [email protected] to arrange a call.

For the full job description, please see here.