Scientific Editor, PNAS Nexus

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic China-based Scientific Editor for the high-impact, broad-scope open access journal PNAS Nexus. PNAS Nexus is the sibling journal to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and is published by Oxford University Press (OUP) on behalf of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).

The Scientific Editor will be a key editorial office contact for UK- and US-based OUP colleagues, NAS staff, and PNAS Nexus editors. The Scientific Editor will primarily support the PNAS Nexus editorial leadership team in developing strategies to attract and solicit submissions from target research communities, particularly from authors based in China. Additionally, the Scientific Editor will support expansion of the journal’s editorial board in key research areas and collaborate with the wider publishing team to maintain an efficient and ethical peer review process.

Key Responsibilities

Workflows, processes, and systems:

• Become familiar with eJournal Press (EJP), the journal’s online system for submission and peer review, and gain a thorough understanding of PNAS Nexus editorial policies, peer review standards, and processes. Provide support to the PNAS Nexus editorial office team as needed to ensure the peer review process continues to run smoothly.
• Stay up to date on OUP and industry guidelines to propose and implement improvements to PNAS Nexus editorial policies, peer review standards, and processes.
• Develop expertise in publication ethics and oversee the implementation of research integrity tools, serving as a point of escalation for ethical concerns. Provide guidance and training to both internal and external editorial office staff as needed to support best practices in research integrity.

Communication and reporting:

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with OUP colleagues, NAS staff, and the PNAS Nexus editorial leadership team.
• Collaborate effectively with all stakeholders to develop and implement journal strategies, including monitoring progress against stated objectives and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Work with UK and US-based OUP colleagues, NAS staff, and editor teams to identify emerging areas of interest and develop content strategies for attracting and soliciting submissions from target research communities—particularly from China.
• Assist the journal’s editorial leadership in building and maintaining a diverse and effective editorial board. Regularly report on the composition and diversity of the editorial board in relation to submission trends, priority research areas, geographic distribution, and gender balance. Identify gaps and propose qualified candidates, including China-based candidates, to support the journal’s strategic goals.
• Prepare reports on industry and publication trends as needed to inform editorial strategy.
• Coordinate, attend, and present at meetings as required, including representing OUP at external presentations and meetings as appropriate.

About You

Essential: 

• PhD or equivalent in a STEM subject
• Prior editorial office and scientific publishing experience
• Strong understanding of journals publishing, including peer review and editorial processes
• Excellent English language skills
• Excellent written and communication skills, including the ability to influence and persuade internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Ability to prioritize and multitask
• Analytical ability to review trends and align strategic development needs accordingly