Scientific Editor Research

Sage Publishing; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent academic publisher is hiring a Scientific Editor to oversee the quality and impact of published journals. The candidate will be responsible for guiding editorial processes, mentoring fellow editors, and supporting a diverse publishing environment focused on Open Access. A PhD in Biomedical Science is essential, along with experience in evaluating complex manuscripts. This role offers opportunities for professional development and promotes an inclusive team culture.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid working allowance

Private medical cover

Tuition scheme for professional qualifications

Healthy lifestyle reimbursement

Access to company loans

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in biomedical science.
• Proficient in Open Access publishing practices.
• Ability to evaluate complex manuscripts.

Responsibilities

• Guide editorial decisions for multiple journals.
• Mentor and support team members.
• Lead projects to improve journal performance.

Skills

Biomedical science knowledge

Editorial decision-making

Mentoring skills

Project management

Strong communication

Strategic thinking

Commitment to diversity

Education

PhD or equivalent in Biomedical Science

Job description

Scientific Editor – Permanent - £48,910

Overview

Join us and be part of a mission-driven, independent publisher. You’ll work with a diverse group of people who share a passion for empowering researchers, educators, and institutions to shape the future.

About Sage

Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely.

Our guaranteed independence means we’re free to:

• Do more – supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioural science make an impact
• Work together – building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning
• Think long-term – experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas

About our Team

You’ll join a passionate, purposeful editorial team dedicated to promoting high-quality, Gold Open Access research. Working with our publishing teams, you will help deliver journals that build scientific conversations worldwide. Together, you’ll champion inclusive publishing practices, strengthen editorial excellence, and support authors, reviewers, and readers across diverse research communities.

Your new role

As a Scientific Editor, you’ll play a pivotal role in developing the quality, integrity, and impact of a portfolio of journals. You’ll guide editorial decisions, mentor colleagues, and contribute to central initiatives that elevate Open Access publishing and support the organisation’s long-term goals.

• Deliver consistently high-quality publishing outcomes by ensuring manuscripts meet agreed standards and timelines.
• Provide expert editorial insight to advise journal strategy and drive progress toward organisational goals.
• Coordinate Mega Journal manuscript submissions and make final decisions on complex or sensitive papers.
• Act as the trusted mentor for Scientific Editors and Journal Managers when challenges arise.
• Lead cross-functional projects that strengthen journal performance and support development plans.
• Partner with colleagues to implement initiatives that build meaningful, positive change.
• Mentor and support team members, encouraging a collaborative, inclusive, and development-focused environment.

Could you be our new Scientific Editor? Are you?

• Experienced in biomedical science, holding a PhD or equivalent, with a strong understanding of Open Access publishing.
• Confident evaluating complex high volume manuscripts and making clear, timely editorial decisions.
• Skilled at mentoring colleagues and supporting their development
• Able to lead editorial workflows while maintaining quality and consistency
• An effective communicator who builds strong, collaborative relationships across teams
• Experienced in leading projects or initiatives that deliver measurable improvements
• Someone who brings a strategic approach and genuine dedication to driving innovation in publishing
• Committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in both editorial practice and team culture

Overview of benefits

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with 2 additional floating personal days.
• Hybrid working up to 2 days per week in office and a home working allowance.
• Life assurance, income protection, and travel insurance.
• Private medical cover and access to the company doctor.
• Tuition scheme and support for pursuing professional qualifications, including access to Sage books and journals.
• Variety of snacks and beverages available in the office.
• Healthy lifestyle reimbursement and anniversary trips.
• Access to Company loans (season ticket loan, rental deposit loan, cycle loan).

We’re a Disability Confident Employer (Level 1). If you’d like to apply under this scheme, please let us know in your application.

We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible and inclusive. If you’d like to request reasonable adjustments, please email [e-mail]. Please note we only accept applications via email if an adjustment has been agreed.

Closing date for applications: Friday 20th February 2026

To ensure we can give each application the attention it deserves, we may consider bringing the closing date forward. Therefore, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure it is considered.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Sage, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and to sustaining a culture that celebrates diversity, encourages authenticity, and builds a deep sense of belonging. We encourage applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief as crafting value through diversity is what makes us strong.