Manuscript Editor I

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manuscript Editor I edits complex scholarly journal manuscripts in science and economics for style, grammar, and accuracy under the supervision of senior department members. Using XML-based editing software, the editor applies journal style throughout manuscripts, including figure captions, tables, and mathematical content, and writes queries to authors. The editor moves manuscripts through corrections, final approval, and ahead-of-print online posting, working closely with editorial colleagues and other Press departments. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authentication.

The role may include lead-editor responsibilities for assigned journals at the manager’s discretion, including overseeing manuscripts and production schedules, maintaining style notes, training editors, coordinating with production controllers and journal offices, and checking paginated issues before publication. The editor also edits other written materials with guidance, establishes editing schedules, resolves routine issues with authors, and assists with proofreading and quality control.

Requirements

• College or university degree in a related field.
• Knowledge and skills developed through 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and interact confidently but flexibly with authors.
• Ability to work cordially with colleagues at all levels.
• Tact and diplomacy when dealing with authors, editors, and people in other departments.
• Ability to concentrate and attend to highly detail-oriented tasks, including while working amid distractions.
• Ability to manage multiple jobs simultaneously, with manuscripts at different publication stages and across journals with different styles and procedures.
• Ability to take direction and ask questions.
• Ability to take responsibility for meeting deadlines and managing time.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree and graduate coursework.
• Two years of prior publishing experience in copy editing or proofreading, preferably with scholarly journals or books rather than newspapers or magazines.
• Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, XML-based editing, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Background in science, economics, or math.
• Background in a foreign language.

Responsibilities

• Copyedit scholarly journal articles in science and economics according to production schedules and deadlines.
• Edit all manuscript components, including main text, references, appendixes, figure captions, complex tables, and mathematical expressions and equations.
• Guide manuscripts through publication stages and ensure quality control.
• Review author proofs, enter and check corrections, and approve final publication files.
• Identify and tactfully resolve editorial situations with authors, journal office staff, and supervisors.
• Communicate with authors, managing editors, editorial supervisors, production staff, and colleagues.
• At the manager’s discretion, fulfill lead editor responsibilities for journal oversight, including editing manuscripts, following production schedules, maintaining style notes, training editors, communicating with production controllers and journal offices, and checking paginated issues before publication.
• Edit books, journals, or other written materials with guidance from others.
• Establish editing schedules.
• Collaborate with authors to resolve routine problems using existing procedures and clarify meaning.
• Assist with quality control by proofreading edited manuscripts.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility, including access to the University of Chicago’s benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, such as health, retirement, and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level