Research Editor

 

Role Overview

Research Editors (3x for each of life and physical sciences) coordinate the peer-review process of projects submitted to Youth STEM Matters, including making editorial decisions on projects that are submitted to Youth STEM Matters, based on the comments given by Research Reviewers. You’ll also play a key role in supporting the development of Research Reviewers, and act as a first point of contact for authors of your assigned projects, enabling them to make their project the best it can be.

Approximate Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per week

In addition to what’s outlined in our What’s Involved section, in this role, you’ll…

  • Compile feedback given by Research Reviewers on STEM-based projects, to make editorial decisions (decide whether a project should be published, rejected, or returned to the author to make revisions)

  • Provide support to Research Reviewers to complete their assigned reviews

  • Communicate with our authors of STEM-based projects, keeping them updated on the progress of their submission, and supporting them to implement feedback effectively to make their project the best it can be

  • Provide feedback to Research Reviewers

  • Lead post-decision calls, giving everyone involved in a project’s peer-review the chance to reflect and learn from what went well and what could have went better

Don’t worry if these sounds unfamiliar right now, we’ll give you all the skills development training you need to succeed in the role!

Key Skills & Qualities

If you want to challenge yourself to apply your existing STEM knowledge to real world problems, improve your critical thinking and support young people to publish their research and innovations in Youth STEM Matters, this could be the perfect role for you! We’re looking for a range of skills and qualities in our ideal Research Editor…

  • ✅ Can effectively summarise large amounts of information, to provide a concise overview

  • ✅ Able to balance high attention to detail with ‘bigger picture’ thinking, within a scientific context

  • ✅ Able to work on own initiative to formulate a decision

  • ✅ Clear written communication

  • ✅ Able to synthesise potentially conflicting information to reach a rational judgement

  • ✅ Enthusiasm for helping others and guiding our authors through the peer-review process

  • ✅ Committed to the development of Research Reviewer specialists, including being able to give others constructive feedback

 

Previous Experience

For this role, we’re looking for someone who has previous experience in:

  • Background in either life sciences (biology, biochemistry, environmental science, medicine, etc.) or physical sciences (physics, maths, chemistry, engineering, technology, design, computer science, earth science, etc.), which will allow you to peer-review an article written by someone at your educational stage.

  • Previous experience in STEM research & innovation, such as doing STEM based projects, editing/reviewing, scientific writing, etc..

  • Leadership experience (in any context) is desirable, but not essential.

If you don’t have experience in these areas yet, joining as a Team Member could be a great option for you!

 

Apply Now!

Apply by Thursday 11th January, 5pm GMT

Other Roles Available

  • Team Member

    A committed team of volunteers who support our authors, using their skills to give youth a platform

  • Operational Lead

    A range of Operational Leads run the day-to-day publication process within the journal

  • Executive Team

    A group of 7-10 Executive Team members develop & deliver the journal’s strategic direction