Associate Publisher

Job Title: Associate Publisher

Location: London - Hybrid Working

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature.

About the Role

We are excited to offer an opening to join our vibrant and innovative Springer Journals publishing team at Springer Nature, working on our respected and high-profile biomedical journals. In joining the team, you would become part of one of the world’s leading global scientific and medical publishers, with staff based in Europe, Asia and the Americas. We have a fantastic opportunity for an individual with a passion for scientific advancement to develop their publishing career and work alongside some of the best researchers in this field.

As Associate Publisher you would be responsible for a defined list of microbiology journals within the Springer Journals Biomedicine group, working as part of the team to grow the portfolio through strategic journal development and acquisitions. To develop the portfolio, you’ll enjoy being proactive, creative and data-driven to devise and implement journal development plans. As the primary publishing contact for your journals, you’ll work alongside leading academics and with colleagues from across the business, meaning excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships are key to ensure the smooth running and success of the journal portfolio. In this role, you’ll gain exposure to all aspects of the academic journal publishing industry.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with Editors-in-Chief, Society contacts, Editorial Board Members and other stakeholders, acting as their key point of contact for publishing matters. This includes organizing and hosting regular meetings and Editorial Board meetings.

• Resolving queries and corresponding with Editors by email, phone and in person as appropriate, ensuring that communications are responded to within a timely fashion and escalated when required.

• Build excellent relationships and team working skills within the immediate team and other departments.

• With the support of your line manager, prioritize journals for development in line with business strategy.

• Develop knowledge of the fields the portfolio operates within and use that knowledge to actively identify journal development opportunities.

• Manage relevant operational, day-to-day and set-up activities for journals within your cluster within expected timeframes.

• With the support of your line manager, ensure journal contracts are monitored and renewed as appropriate in a timely fashion.

• Work alongside Editors and Editorial Board members to increase journal visibility, submissions and reputation within the field.

• Increase the portfolio’s share of citations compared to the competition, through article inflow, commissioning and marketing.

• Ensure appropriate representation in indexing services and work to ensure journals are performing at level for acceptance by selective services.

• Ensure that journals receive appropriate promotion (e.g. blogs, press releases, social media etc).

• Monitor the open access levels of your journals and work with your line manager to implement a strategy to support open access development.

• Ensure that authors and reviewers who contact a journal receive appropriate support, ensuring that communications are responded to within a timely fashion and escalate when required.

• Monitor peer review data to optimise manuscript flow. Pre-empt issues and work with the Editorial Office as well as internal and external Editors to resolve any delays.

• Be familiar with COPE Guidelines to be able to advise on ethical queries and ensure all journals in your portfolio comply with these.

• Ensure timely and correct data entry into relevant systems and databases, to enable monitoring of key dates, correct honoraria payments, and that all journal information is kept up to date.

• Represent the company at scientific conferences when required.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to bachelor’s degree level, ideally with a scientific background

• Demonstrated interest in, and understanding of, publishing business models (including subscription, hybrid, and open access)

• Proven knowledge of publishing processes and related practices

• Strong organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail

• A consistent track record of managing time effectively and meeting deadlines

• Proactive approach with the ability to take ownership and drive tasks to completion

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities

• Ability to adapt quickly and effectively to change

• High level of computer literacy and confidence in using digital tools

• Collaborative mindset, able to work effectively with colleagues at all levels

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

• Highly customer-focused, with a commitment to delivering excellent service

Desirable

• An interest in microbiology and related disciplines

• Prior experience working in a similar publishing role in a bioscience-related field

• Experience developing journals in line with business objectives

• Experience of establishing strong communities around specific journals

• Willing to travel occasionally and represent Springer Nature at external events

To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter outlining your key ambitions in the role, including your salary expectations and notice period.

Please note applicants will be considered as they apply and therefore interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us at [email protected] so we can make all necessary accommodations.

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit

#LI-HK1