Publishing Ethics Expert

Publishing Ethics Expert

Do you have experience in scholarly publishing, editorial roles, or research integrity?

Do you have a strong understanding of the peer‑review and publishing process, including ethical guidelines such as COPE best practices?

Location: London, Oxford or Amsterdam only

*Applications will close on April 20th*

About Our Team

Elsevier’s Science, Technology and Medical (STM) Journals portfolio publishes more than 2,600 peer‑reviewed journals worldwide. Elsevier is committed to upholding research integrity across its journals and within the wider research community.

The Publishing Ethics Expert plays a key role in supporting this commitment by advising Editors and Publishers on best practice in handling ethical allegations across all research disciplines. This includes supporting ethics investigations, contributing to initiatives that help prevent or detect ethical issues, and delivering training and guidance aligned with Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) principles and Elsevier policies. The role works closely with editors and publishing colleagues while respecting and upholding editorial independence.

About the Role

We are seeking a collaborative and analytical professional to join the Research Integrity & Publishing Ethics team within Elsevier’s STM Journals publishing division. The successful candidate will support the fair, consistent, and transparent handling of publishing ethics matters, applying sound judgement, attention to detail, and clear communication when working with a wide range of stakeholders in a complex, international environment.

Responsibilities 

• Assessing activities and allegations relating to authors, reviewers, editors, guest editors, and other stakeholders

• Supporting editors in evaluating ethical concerns, including plagiarism, duplicate publication, authorship disputes, peer‑review manipulation, and image or data issues

• Advising on appropriate actions such as corrections, editor notes, expressions of concern, and retraction notices

• Working with Legal, Communications, and other internal teams as appropriate

• Managing cases involving multiple journals or complex stakeholder networks

• Communicating clearly, professionally, and diplomatically with internal and external stakeholders

• Providing education and guidance to internal colleagues and the wider research community, including participation in editorial board meetings and author webinars

• Contributing to updates or enhancements to ethical policies in response to emerging issues

• Acting as a subject‑matter expert on ethics‑related projects and initiatives, including contributions to product or workflow development

• Supporting user access and best‑practice use of ethics‑related tools

Requirements  

• Relevant professional experience in scholarly publishing, editorial roles, or research integrity (typically five or more years), with demonstrated achievements in related areas

• A degree in an academic or related discipline, or equivalent experience

• In‑depth knowledge of the peer‑review and publishing process, including ethical guidelines such as COPE best practices

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly

• Experience supporting editors, researchers, or other senior academic stakeholders

• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across disciplines, regions, and professional backgrounds

• Strong judgement, integrity, and professionalism when handling sensitive matters

• Well‑developed analytical, organisational, prioritisation, and problem‑solving skills

• Experience working successfully in a complex, matrixed, international environment

An assessment or case study may form part of the selection process.

Work in a Way That Works for You

We promote a healthy work–life balance across the organisation and offer flexible working arrangements to help you work in a way that supports your wellbeing and productivity.

Working for You

We offer a competitive benefits package, which may include: 

• Generous holiday allowance with the option to buy additional days

• Private medical benefits, health screening and eye care vouchers

• Wellbeing programmes and Employee Assistance Programme

• Life assurance and a competitive contributory pension scheme

• Share save scheme and travel season ticket loan

• Family‑friendly policies, including maternity, paternity and shared parental leave

• Learning and development opportunities and employee resource groups

• RECARES days to support causes that matter to you

About the Business

A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world’s grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.

We know your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. We are delighted to offer country specific benefits. Click here to access benefits specific to your location.

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