[Hiring] Senior Editor, Publication Ethics @Public Library of Science

Role Description

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. This is a 12 month FTC position.

The PLOS Publication Ethics team works to uphold the integrity and reliability of PLOS publications and supports PLOS journals in publication ethics-related issues and policy development. The team also engages with external parties and organizations in publication ethics-related discussions and initiatives.

As a Senior Editor, Publication Ethics, you will:

• Investigate and resolve publication ethics cases for all PLOS journals.
• Provide publication ethics support to PLOS journal teams.
• Contribute to team-level initiatives and projects that address ethics and integrity issues at PLOS.

This role is in the Publication Ethics team’s standard case group, covering a broad array of integrity issues (e.g., image/data integrity, animal/human research ethics, authorship or data ownership disputes, etc.). Editors within this group may also be asked to contribute to work involving large-scale cases, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Resolve publication ethics cases efficiently and in line with PLOS standards and COPE guidance.
• Provide timely support for others’ publication ethics case work.
• Address escalations and queries about publication ethics issues.
• Prevent reputational damage to PLOS journals as feasible.
• Contribute to tasks, cases, documentation, and other processes needed to support the team’s casework and objectives.
• Support journal staff editors in resolving publication ethics issues that arise during manuscript handling, peer review, or post-publication.
• Communicate rapidly and effectively about ethics cases with involved/affected stakeholders.
• Contribute to internal discussions about publication ethics, research integrity, and related issues.
• Maintain an awareness of cross-industry issues and initiatives and attend COPE Forums that fall within your working hours.
• Help with recruitment and onboarding for vacant team positions.
• Train staff on other PLOS teams in publication ethics case management and standards.
• Uphold high standards of professionalism in all communications about publication ethics issues.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or PhD (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline.
• Experience in an editorial or publication ethics role in science, technical, and medical (STM) publishing.
• First-hand experience resolving publication ethics cases in STM publishing.
• A demonstrated aptitude for critically evaluating scientific articles or publication ethics issues.
• (Preferred) Post-graduate research experience in a scientific, clinical, or social sciences discipline.

Requirements

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and oral.
• Highly organized and efficient self-starter with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• A collaborative team player who is comfortable working with a remote team.
• A commitment to open access and research integrity.
• Familiarity with peer review, publishing, editorial decision-making, and publication ethics issues and standards.
• Prior experience investigating and resolving publication ethics cases.
• Knowledge of Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) standards and guidance.
• (Preferred) Expertise in image forensics; experience delivering trainings.

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.