Independent Contractor Academic Journal Editor Jobs

Job Title: Associate Publisher, Open Access Journals

Location(s): New York, NY or London

Application Deadline: August 13, 2026

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are pioneers in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world.

For more information, For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature.

At Springer Nature, we recognise that talent is developed through a range of career paths. We encourage applications from individuals with strong transferable skills, provided they are supported by relevant experience that shows how those skills have been successfully applied in practice. Our hiring approach balances skills, experience, and potential to ensure each role is fulfilled with both short term effectiveness and long-term growth in mind.

About the Brand

BMC has more than 20 years of experience in developing open access and provides high-quality, impactful research and a supportive publishing experience for authors. We are committed to publishing the best open access journals in our portfolio of over 250 titles and we strive to drive progress in biology, health sciences and medicine. Visit biomedcentral.com and follow @BioMedCentral

About the Role

The BMC Academic Journals group aims to support researchers in communicating and advancing discovery for a better world. We do this by providing a trusted environment in which researchers can quickly, easily, and transparently share their discoveries, data, and research stories.

We are seeking an Associate Publisher to manage a portfolio of open access journals in our division that includes both society and proprietary journals in the disciplines of Cell Biology, Genetics, and Neuroscience. Reporting to an Executive Publisher, you will be responsible for the management, strategic development, and success of the individual journals, liaising with internal staff, external journal Editors, and the scientific community.

This is a hybrid role based in New York or London. This location supports effective collaboration with the team and aligns business needs.

Responsibilities

• Drive results through portfolio development and management and demonstrate accountability.

• Drive the growth and development of a group of open access journals, successfully devising and implementing annual development plans and explore opportunities for business development.

• Manage the annual targets for journal submission, publication and transfer volumes as well as target turnaround times.

• Deliver best-in-class author experience and foster maximum engagement from Editors-in-Chief (EiCs), Editorial Board Members (EBMs), and Societies

• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving environment, effectively managing changing priorities, navigating ambiguity, responding positively to challenges, and adjusting approaches to meet evolving business needs and objectives.

• Resolve pre- and post-publication issues raised by staff, EBMs and readers (e.g. authorship, scope, ethics and consent, misconduct, policies).

• Gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from diverse sources to support data-driven decision-making and strategic planning

• Manage contract negotiations with external parties by using/developing a working knowledge of financial profit & loss statements and forecasting.

• Develop strong working relationships with colleagues, researchers, and external Editors, attend meetings where needed and balance stakeholders.

• Keep up to date with changes within the research community and publishing industry

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to Bachelor's degree level or equivalent, preferably in a relevant field of study (life, biomedical or health sciences)

• A resourceful and proactive approach in dealing with problems and queries, and the ability to adapt quickly to change

• Excellent communication (verbal and written).

• Persuasionand influencing skills including the ability to demonstrate diplomacy and assertiveness as appropriate

• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues at all levels and as part of a team

• Ability to work on your own initiative and independently

• Strong time management and organizational skills; including proven ability to take ownership of tasks and meet deadlines

• Experience of developing and maintaining productive and friendly relations/partnerships with academic and industry-based researchers

• Strong technical skills, with a sharp attention for detail

• Willingness to travel for the role occasionally.

Desirable

• Previous experience in Books or Journal academic publishing is desirable

In return, we offer a competitive salary range and great employee benefits.

To Apply: Applicants should include the following:

• an updated CV

• a cover letter explaining their interest in the post

Springer Nature US provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes the benefit offerings listed below:

• Medical, Dental and Vision

• 401(k) with company match and contribution

• Hybrid office working policy, Summer Hours, and paid time off

• Flexible Spending and Commuter programs

• Multiple Life insurance options

• Disability coverage

• Tuition Assistance

• Voluntary benefits: Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Legal Assistance Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Family-friendly benefits and a variety of employee discounts

• An array of Employee Social Networks

US Annualized Base Salary Range: $66,300- $75,000 . The salary offer may vary based on work experience, education, skill level, and equity. The US salary range does not align with the salary ranges in other countries when converted to the currency of that country.

Springer Nature is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with the laws and regulations set forth in the following https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf poster.

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress - and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here: https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/

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