Research Editor, Open

Why work for us?

Help us create a healthier world. We are a global healthcare knowledge provider. We publish The BMJ, one of the world's most impactful medical journals and over 70 influential speciality journals. We offer digital tools to help health professionals worldwide tackle critical healthcare challenges. Find out more about us here.

Flexible Work and Workplace Perks

• We're committed to flexible working that supports both your needs and the requirements of the role.

Generous benefits

• Generous double-matching employer pension contribution, up to 12%
• Discounted dental and travel insurance
• Seven x salary life assurance cover and a generous income protection package
• Discounted gym membership, cycle-to-work and season ticket loan
• Discounts for retail and leisure products through yourReward

Work-life balance and wellbeing

• Twenty-five days holiday + bank holidays + a BMJ Day off.
• Additional holiday through long service; buy up to 5 additional days
• Leave for moving house, volunteering or getting married
• Concierge service Seniorcare by Lottie

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are not buzzwords to us, but fundamental company priorities
• We believe that a diverse workforce brings unique strengths and insights, enabling us to better serve our customers and drive positive change in our industry.
• If you are from an under-represented or historically marginalised community, we are particularly interested in hearing from you.
• Join our employee-led networks focusing on Gender, Race and Cultural Diversity, Sexual Orientation, Mental Health and Well-being, Parents and Carers and Age.
• Disability Confident Committed employer

Learning & Development

• Personal development plan
• Mentoring scheme
• Career Coaching
• Opportunities to pursue professional development
• Strengths-based development

Job Overview Job Title: Research Editor, BMJ Open

Contract: 12 Months Fixed Term

Salary: £44,000 (depending on experience)

Location: BMA House, London - UK (Hybrid)

Application Closing Date: Friday 7th November 2025

Job Purpose

BMJ Open is seeking a Research Editor to join their in-house editorial team. The role will involve handling medical manuscripts through peer review and providing input on journal development, processes, and policies. The Research Editor will work closely with other editors on the team, providing second opinions when necessary. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assessing submitted manuscripts against the journal's aims and scope for suitability for peer review and rejecting unsuitable submissions
• Making post-peer review editorial decisions on whether to publish reviewed submissions, seeking and providing second opinions from other members of the team when necessary
• Handling publication/research ethics concerns
• Occasionally sourcing appropriate peer reviewers
• Working with the rest of the editorial team to ensure journal processes are as user-friendly and efficient as possible
• Ensuring the journal's editorial policies are up-to-date
• Providing contributions to the journal blog and social media accounts
• Occasional attendance at medical and publishing events for outreach and market intelligence gathering
• Providing second opinions to other editors on whether to send new submissions for peer review and publish reviewed submissions; flagging to the Deputy Editor or Editor in Chief if necessary
• Auditing editorial decisions and contributing to new editorial guidelines/ resources to support the training and development of new editors. Providing information to the team on a regular basis to help broaden their knowledge and decision making ability

Skill, Experience & Qualifications

Suitable medical qualification or a scientific qualification and experience conducting research, for example in earning an MSc or PhD, plus relevant editorial experience:

• Experience handling manuscripts and of peer review processes
• Demonstrable understanding of open access
• IT competence, including MS Office and web skills
• High standard of written English required to communicate effectively and professionally with reviewers and authors