Manuscript Editor I

Department
Press Journals Science Editorial

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

Responsibilities

• Copyedit academic journal articles in science and economics following tight production schedules and deadlines.
• Copyedit all parts of a manuscript, including not only the main text, literature cited, and any appendixes but also figure captions, complex tables, and extensive math expressions and equations.
• Guide manuscripts through all publication stages and ensure high-level quality control.
• Review author proofs, enter and check corrections, and approve final files for publication.
• Identify and tactfully solve unique editorial situations with authors, journal office staff, and/or supervisors.
• Communicate extensively with authors, managing editors, and colleagues, including editorial supervisors and production staff.
• At manager's discretion, fulfill lead editor responsibilities for journal oversight, including editing manuscripts for assigned journal(s) and others, following production schedules, maintaining style notes, training editors, communicating with production controllers and journal offices as needed, and checking paginated issues before final publication.
• Edits books, journals, or other written materials with guidance from others. Establishes editing schedules.
• Collaborates with authors to resolve routine problems using existing procedures and to clarify meaning. Assists with quality control by proofreading edited manuscripts.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree, graduate coursework.

Experience:

• Two years of prior publishing experience in copy editing or proofreading, preferably in scholarly journals or books rather than newspapers or magazines.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, XML-based editing, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Background in science, economics, or math helpful.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Work independently and interact confidently but flexibly with authors.
• Work cordially with colleagues at all levels.
• Tactfulness and diplomacy in dealing with authors, editors, and people in other departments.
• Concentrate and attend to highly detail-oriented tasks.
• Focus, despite distractions in environment.
• Work on multiple jobs simultaneously, involving manuscripts in various stages of the publication process, for multiple journals with different styles and procedures.
• Take direction and ask questions.
• Take responsibility for meeting deadlines and managing time.
• Background in a foreign language.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid in-person/remote work, at manager's discretion.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Communications

Role Impact
Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$45,900.00 - $594,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.