By Kiranmayi Vemuri
In the ever-evolving landscape of scientific research, professional roles beyond the laboratory bench have gained prominence, offering diverse career paths for individuals with scientific expertise. One such avenue that has been increasingly sought after by Ph.D. graduates and postdocs is the world of scientific editing and publishing. To provide insights into this fascinating realm, iJOBS hosted a career panel where four accomplished panelists shared their unique perspectives and experiences regarding publishing and editing at scientific journals.
Meet the Panelists
- Ying Jia - With a Ph.D. in nanomaterial synthesis and applications, Ying serves as a Senior Publisher at the Springer Nature Group, overseeing multiple oncology journals. Her previous roles include Editor-in-Chief at the Journal of Polymer Science at Wiley (Linkedin).
- Iman Jalilian - Holding a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology, Iman currently serves as a Senior Editor at Wiley, managing submissions to various scientific disciplines of the journal Current Protocols (Linkedin).
- Nidhi Bansal - A cancer biologist by training, Nidhi's journey spans from a Ph.D. at the University of Delhi to postdoctoral stints at Wake Forest School of Medicine and Icahn School of Medicine. She transitioned to an editorial role at Wiley and now contributes to Partner Publishing, focusing on journal development (Linkedin).
- Emma Van Burns - Emma's expertise lies in chemistry, particularly in spectroscopy, solar cells, and materials science. After completing her Ph.D., she entered the realm of editorial work, managing journals in the Materials Science & Physics division at Wiley (Linkedin).
The Transition from Research to Editing
The transition from a research-centric career to scientific editing signifies a notable change. Many researchers find themselves drawn to this shift when they realize that the traditional trajectory of academic research might not match their long-term career visions. Some seek roles offering a wider impact beyond the laboratory setting.
Transitioning into scientific editing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Some individuals naturally gravitate towards editing after discovering their passion for effectively communicating scientific concepts. Others actively pursue editorial positions after exploring various career avenues beyond academic research, such as medical writing, consulting, or industry roles. Regardless of their journey, the shift to scientific editing showcases a desire to contribute to scientific advancement in a fresh and influential manner. Nidhi and Emma found during their training, either as a Ph.D. or post-doc, that academia wasn't aligned with their career aspirations, leading them to explore different paths. In contrast, Iman actively sought opportunities beyond traditional research, exploring roles in medical writing and consulting before transitioning into editorial positions.
Editorial vs. Publishing Responsibilities
A crucial insight gleaned from discussion with the panelists highlighted the distinction between scientific editing and scientific publishing – two separate career pathways. Scientific editing involves the meticulous review and refinement of research manuscripts, with a focus on improving clarity, coherence, and quality before publication. Editors work closely with authors, guiding them through the publication process, managing peer review, and ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines. Their role revolves around enhancing individual manuscripts to effectively communicate research findings while maintaining the standards of the respective journals. Emma shared insightful aspects of an editor's job, involving tasks such as evaluating papers post peer review, ensuring alignment with journal scopes, and selecting reviewers. She emphasized the need for crucial skills like reviewer selection, utilizing online manuscript submission portals, and making informed editorial decisions.
On the other hand, scientific publishing encompasses a broader operational and strategic scope, involving the management and direction of academic journals or publications. Professionals in publishing roles oversee the functions of the journal at large, including strategic planning, journal growth, recruitment of editorial board members, and ensuring the seamless dissemination of scientific content. They navigate the landscape of journal management, focusing on the broader performance and impact of journals within their portfolio, aiming to optimize reach and influence while upholding the integrity and quality of published research. Publishing roles involve broader responsibilities such as managing editorial teams, strategizing journal portfolios, and recruiting new editors for special issues.
A crucial point emphasized in the career panel, was that recent Ph.D. graduates might not be eligible for a publishing role due to the industry's preference for more extensive experience. However, they can step into editor positions first, gather valuable experience, and subsequently leverage that expertise to transition into publishing roles at a later stage in their careers.
Required Skills and Qualifications for Editorial Positions
For students interested in editing as a career option, certain skills can be cultivated throughout a Ph.D. program to enhance the prospects of securing an editor job. Some essential skills include writing, editing, leadership, and strategic planning. Engaging in tasks like peer reviewing articles, composing manuscripts and grants, and contributing to blogs significantly fortifies these skill sets. Although postdoctoral experience can offer advantages, it isn't a strict requirement for securing an editorial position. Yet, showcasing participation in groups or initiatives refining these proficiencies, like engaging in freelance writing, can be advantageous.
Building a Resume and Preparing for Interviews
Crafting a resume that will stand out and enhance the prospects of being hired as an editor was a major topic of discussion during the career panel. Some essential resume requirements for aspiring editors are strong organizational skills, reliability in meeting deadlines, and adaptability. Underlining the capacity to deliver quality work within stipulated timeframes significantly strengthens one's candidacy. Opting for a concise one-page resume over a comprehensive scientific CV is advisable. Further, highlighting writing and editorial proficiencies serves as a substantial advantage.
Interviews typically test candidates on their understanding of publishing concepts, peer reviewer selection, and their capacity to communicate complex scientific ideas to broader audiences. During interviews, displaying curiosity, industry knowledge, and an understanding of publishing concepts can be distinguishing factors. The panelists highlighted potential interview scenarios wherein candidates might be prompted to elucidate the distinctions between special issues, regular issues, and supplements. Another common evaluation test revolves around selecting peer reviewers for a sample manuscript. Candidates are expected to navigate through references, identifying experts in similar fields but from different institutions, while ensuring the absence of any ethical conflicts. Moreover, aspiring candidates might be asked to draft a feature or news piece adeptly conveying an article's essence in simple, understandable terms for the general audience. It's crucial to showcase an understanding of the specific publishing house and its principles, so thorough research beforehand is essential!
Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
The editorial world offers a blend of remote and hybrid work options, promoting a healthy work-life balance. The flexibility allows for managing personal commitments while contributing effectively to the industry. Most of the panelists spoke about 8-hour workdays and the ability to work from home a few days of the week. They also emphasized how flexibility was a part of their job – they could pick up kids from school if needed. However, sometimes the role might demand longer hours during peak periods and occasional conference travel. Additionally, discussions on salary dynamics revealed differences between starting salaries and benefits across different companies. The starting salary might not be as much as research job in industry, but the flexibility makes up for it.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from a research-focused career to the realms of editing and publishing opens a myriad of opportunities for individuals seeking diverse career trajectories within the scientific domain. It's a domain that requires a blend of scientific expertise, communication skills, and a passion for advancing the frontiers of knowledge through meticulous editorial work. Additionally, the move to scientific editing allows individuals to remain deeply connected to the scientific community while embracing a role that influences the trajectory of research in a broader sense. Editors act as gatekeepers of scientific integrity, facilitating the dissemination of groundbreaking discoveries and ensuring that scholarly work meets the highest standards of excellence. As the scientific landscape continues to evolve, the role of editors and publishers remains pivotal in shaping the dissemination and impact of scientific discoveries.
This article was edited by Junior Editor Kylie Ryan Kaler and Senior Editor Natalie Losada.