PeerJ Careers


Change 300 years of how science has been communicated


If you have a strong interest in ensuring that academic research remains free to anyone to read, download, and reuse then consider joining PeerJ. Help us build the next set of tools that will advance the current state of scholarly communication.


PeerJ Staff Editor in Computer Science
Full time - USA (California preferred) / UK


PeerJ is an award-winning, open access, peer-reviewed, scholarly journal publisher covering many academic disciplines (including biology, life science, medicine, environmental science, computer science and chemistry).

We have a vacancy for an entry-level ‘Staff Editor’ to help manage our “PeerJ Computer Science” journal.

This position will expose the employee to a broad range of issues related to the mechanics, ethics and day-to-day business of managing the editorial aspects of an effective peer review process. The role deals with content related issues; it helps to maintain an effective quality control and peer review process; and it involves frequent interactions with academics worldwide.

This role works closely with internal teams and the external Academic Editors and peer-reviewers of our peer-reviewed journal publications. It is focused on our PeerJ Computer Science journal but will also involve interaction with our other titles as well. In particular, the recently launched PeerJ Chemistry titles are also covered by this position.

Starting ASAP, this is a full time position working from home with flexible working hours.


Primary Tasks

  • In collaboration with other team members, responsible for the integrity, speed and smooth running of the Peer-Review process. This includes (but is not limited to) initial staff checks; assigning Editors to papers; responding to Academic Editors and Section Editors; chasing Academic Editors; chasing Reviewers; research and identify peer-reviewers on behalf of some Editors; developing and advising on new content types or partnerships etc.
  • Expected to suggest and implement process improvements which will improve the KPIs of the peer-review process.
  • Respond to specific emails (relevant to the responsibilities of this position) as they come in to shared inboxes
  • Other editorial tasks as required by the role
  • This role will work closely with colleagues in the Communities Team and Publishing Operations team

Mandatory Skills & Qualifications

  • Based in USA (ideally California, but other locations considered) or the United Kingdom
  • Excellent English comprehension and communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Demonstrated organizational skills (the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines)
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • An interest, and/or experience, in STM (‘Scientific, Technical and Medical’) academic publishing
  • An advanced degree (minimum Masters/PhD) ideally in a Computer Science discipline


Skills that would make you stand out

  • Postdoctoral experience.
  • Strong familiarity with the journal publication process, ideally having published and reviewed journal articles themselves. Relevant experience in similar editorial roles is an advantage, but not required.
  • A passion for open science and open access publishing.
  • The successful candidate will be capable of understanding complex scientific topics; able to converse with academics on ‘their level’; and able to communicate complex topics to a broader audience. They will be professional and articulate. They will be capable of handling multiple responsibilities, working independently, and meeting strict deadlines.


Primary Tasks

  • In collaboration with other team members, responsible for the integrity, speed and smooth running of the Peer-Review process. This includes (but is not limited to) initial staff checks; assigning Editors to papers; responding to Academic Editors and Section Editors; chasing Academic Editors; chasing Reviewers; research and identify peer-reviewers on behalf of some Editors; handling editorial Appeals; recruiting Editors; commissioning and promoting special issues; developing and advising on new content types or partnerships etc.
  • Expected to suggest and implement process improvements which will improve the KPIs of the peer-review process.
  • Respond to specific emails (relevant to the responsibilities of this position) as they come in to shared inboxes.
  • Other editorial tasks as required by the role.
  • This role will work closely with colleagues in the Community team and Production team.


Benefits

  • Generous holiday policy.
  • Flexible working hours and a casual work environment.
  • The opportunity to play an active role in improving scientific communication and to make a difference in the world!


How to Apply

  • Please submit a cover letter and CV/resume to jobs@peerj.com with the subject: 'PeerJ Staff Editor - Computer Science'.
  • Clearly describe the relevance of your work experience for this role.
  • Please only apply once.
  • No agencies please. Agency emails will be reported as spam!




Open positions


Why work at PeerJ?

Everyone should have free access to research...

That is not happening today, as most tax-payer funded research is locked up behind expensive paywalls. PeerJ is changing that and we are particularly looking for people who have experienced that paywall frustration in the past.

We're on a mission to make publishing affordable...

The business mission is simple: ensure sustainability of the organization while also lowering the cost to publish Open Access for researchers and institutions. While originally funded in 2012 with a seed investment led by Tim O'Reilly, PeerJ is now self-sustaining and remains an independent organization.

Work with very smart and creative people...

PhD and MS degrees are a dime a dozen at PeerJ. You also have access to the top scientists in the world.

We push & test code continuously...

More importantly, whether a developer or editor, you'll be working at an industry-leading organization known and respected for its in-house publishing platform.

We also offer...

Top salary, a "take-what-you-need" holiday/vacation policy, and the tools and training needed to improve your own skills.

PeerJ has locations in both California, US and the UK.