Deputy Editor, Journals

Circa:

The Royal Society of Chemistry seeks a Deputy Editor for Chemical Science who will be based at our Beijing office.

This is a vital role to support the continuing development of our flagship journal contributing to community engagement commissioning and achieving our ambitious growth targets. We are looking for an ambitious professional who wants to apply and develop their current knowledge and skills and further their career in STM publishing.

You will work closely with the Executive Editor to proactively contribute to the strategic development of theportfolio through commissioning and product development plans and by working closely with the Scientific Editors to implement these plans build lasting relationships with key stakeholders attend national and international conferences and deputise for the Executive Editor where required. You will also work closely with other teams across the organisation to ensure the successful delivery of the journal strategies and the wider Royal Society of Chemistrys Publishing strategy. You will also be expected to conduct national and international travel as part of this role.

In addition to the above youwill be:

• Planning and implementing individual journal strategies and with the broader team (including colleagues based across our international offices) to maximise the impact and quality of the journals.

• Leading development of journal commissioning and visibility strategies overseen by the Executive Editor and to implement those strategies through collaboration and delegation including working with Marketing and Communications teams as necessary.

• Supporting the Executive Editor in defining and implementing the journals editorial policies.

• Developing and maintaining good relationships with existing and potential key customers including authors reviewers and Board members.

• Commissioning articles via desk-based research and attendance at scientific conferences.

• Organising and publicising online or in-person events that support the journals strategies.

• Arranging impactful activities at conferences including networking and entertaining working with Marketing and Communications teams as necessary.

• Supporting the Executive Editor in the identification and recruitment of external Board membersand to provide a point of contact for Board members.

• Enabling journal Board members to effectively promote and commission for the journal(s).

• Preparing and delivering reports for Board meetings as directed by the Executive Editor.

We are looking for:

Essential:

• A good honours degree in science (chemical science normally preferred)

• Previous experience in STM publishing

• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

• Proven ability to work well as a team

• Good organisational and time-management skills are required together with the ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines

Desirable:

• Knowledge of and passion for the chemical sciences

• Previous experience of commissioning and conference attendance

If you are interested please apply before the end of our closing date midnight on 6th January 2026.

About us

The RSC is a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to advance chemical sciences. As a not-for-profit publisher the RSC reinvests surplus funds back into the global scientific community supporting our purpose to help the chemical science community make the world a better place.

The RSC strives to continuously innovate its product and services to adapt to market and customer needs maintain relevancy and diversify revenues from journals. This requires a market-led and pragmatic approach to product and service innovation.

This role is contractually based at our Beijing office. However we embrace flexibility at the RSC and offer hybrid working which means our teams come together when they need to collaborate and for Team meetings. Any hybrid working arrangements need to be agreed with your line manager.

Visit our Work For Us website to learn more about us our benefits equal opportunities statement and inclusive culture pledge.

At the RSC we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce and welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply. We particularly encourage applications from disabled and ethnic minority candidates.

As a part of the Disability Confident Scheme we endeavour where possible to offer an interview to candidates meeting the essential criteria of the role who has a substantial physical/mental impairment which impacts their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

We are committed to making our recruitment processes accessible to all and as part of this we are flexible in the ways we give and receive information. If you would like to apply using a different format please contact the Recruitment Team at or on 44 (0) and we will do our best to put any reasonable adjustments in place.

If you have any questions please contact us at