Job Title: Assistant Editor
Location: Pune
Application Deadline: 10-Feb-26
About Springer Nature:
Springer Nature opens the doors to discovery for researchers, educators, clinicians and other professionals. Every day, around the globe, our imprints, books, journals, platforms and technology solutions reach millions of people. For over 180 years our brands and imprints have been a trusted source of knowledge to these communities and today, more than ever, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that fundamental knowledge can be found, verified, understood and used by our communities – enabling them to improve outcomes, make progress, and benefit the generations that follow.
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Purpose of the Role:
Assistant Editors play an important role in the manuscript's submission to Decisions process, overseeing tasks such as conducting suitability checks, finding and assigning EBMs, Peer Reviewers, and managing communication with editors, reviewers, and authors. AEs are also responsible for cultivating professional relationships with peer reviewers and editors to ensure effective communication and engagement. They play a key role in facilitating decision-making, resolving author queries, and ensuring manuscripts progress smoothly through the publishing pipeline. Furthermore, they monitor the overall health of the journal by reviewing its performance, identifying challenges, and proposing solutions. In essence, they act as catalysts in the peer review process, ensuring high-quality manuscripts are delivered to EBMs and that peer review is conducted efficiently and within set timelines.
Responsibilities:
1. Quality Checks and Suitability Assessment:
Perform thorough editorial checks on submitted manuscripts to ensure they meet our journal’s guidelines and standards, determining suitability for peer review and editor assignment
Ensure that the submitted manuscript aligns with the scope and focus of the journal to which it has been submitted
Review manuscripts to verify they are not sourced from paper mills, and take appropriate action if any are identified
Ensure that duplicate manuscripts do not pass through the review process
Identify and follow the correct process for handling appealed manuscripts by coordinating with internal editors or Editorial board members (EBMs)
Ensure that all ethical standards, including human, animal, and plant ethics, research integrity, and plagiarism checks, are thoroughly complied with the journal policies
2. Manuscript Pipeline Management:
Oversee and manage the journal's manuscript pipeline from submission to the final decision, ensuring smooth and timely processing of all submissions
Ensure that all stages of manuscript processing adhere to the standard turnaround time (TAT), and take appropriate action for any delays
Actively monitor the progress of manuscripts throughout the review process, offering support where needed to ensure timely completion and final decisions
3. Editor Assignment:
Invite Editors or assign manuscripts to the appropriate handling editor based on subject expertise and workload
Ensure that EBMs are engaged and taking action within the established timelines, and take appropriate measures if there are any delays
4. Editor Support and Collaboration:
Provide ongoing support to editors throughout the peer review process, creating strong working relationships to facilitate smooth operations
Collaborate closely with editorial staff to improve processes and implement new initiatives for continuous enhancement of the review process
5. Finding reviewers and peer review support:
AEs are responsible find suitable reviewers on manuscripts whenever required
Track the progress of peer reviews, ensuring that feedback is collected on time and any necessary follow-ups are handled promptly
6. Email Correspondence Management:
Handle email communications between authors, reviewers, editors, guest editors, and other stakeholders to facilitate smooth interactions and keep all parties informed at each stage of the publication process
7. Final Decision Assessment:
Ensure reviews submitted are complete and comprehensive and aligned with journal guidelines
Ensure the decisions made by editor align to the journal policies and that decisions are based on all reviews submitted
Collaborate with editors to ensure that reviewer comments are addressed appropriately and that revisions are made according to feedback
Review and assess the decision recommendations made by handling editors and communicate the final decision (acceptance, revision, rejection) to authors in a timely and professional manner
8. Mentorship and Team Support:
Provide mentorship to new team members, guiding them through the editorial processes and supporting their growth within the team
Participate actively in team initiatives/pilots and provide valuable feedback
9. Process Improvement:
Key Relationships:
- Authors, EBMs, and Peer Reviewers
- Journal Editorial staff
- External and internal partners
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
Experience
A minimum of two years of prior experience in manuscript handling—particularly within the Transfers team—is required.
Should have experience in handling interdisciplinary manuscripts
Qualifications: Master's in Life Science, Humanities, Social Science, Environment, Computer Science, Physical science & Engineering
Should possess organizational, decision making & time-management skills
Skills
Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
Ability to multitask
Customer-focused with an eye for detail
SNAPP process knowledge is desirable
Qualifications
Master's in Life Science, Humanities, Social Science, Environment, Computer Science, Physical science & Engineering
Springer Nature Skills associated with this Job Profile include:
SN-Interpersonal Awareness, SN-Collaboration, SN-Action-Oriented, SN-Resourcefulness, SN-Process Optimization, SN-Decision Quality, SN-Manuscript Assessment, SN-Writing Skills, SN-Editorial Skills, SN-Publishing Workflows & Systems, SN-Adaptability
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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