What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Scientific Engagement Manager, China (Role is for individuals authorized to work in China) position at American Society for Microbiology?
Job Overview
The Associate Scientific Engagement Manager will support and expand AMS’s scientific publishing and community engagement activities in China. This role will play a critical role in strengthening relationships with researchers, editors and research institutions in China. The role is approximately 50% community engagement–focused and 50% event support, with a strong emphasis on academic events, digital engagement, and long-term relationship building.
Accountabilities (are the critical activities and results the position is held accountable to produce)
1. Communication
2. Project Management
3. Program management
4. Industry Participation
Essential Functions (defines the critical end results expected of the jobholder related to the accountabilities above)
Scientific community development
1. Act as a local liaison for researchers, editors, and reviewers in China, gathering insights and sharing feedback with internal journals and editorial stakeholders.
2. Collaborate with global editorial teams to identify and commission content from highly cited and influential authors in China.
3. Stay informed on local industry trends, publishing land scape, and competitor developments in China.
4. Monitor content growth and performance of ASM journals in China and provide regular internal updates and insights.
Outreach and partnership Engagement
5. Organize outreach activities, including site visits, attending conferences and identify partnership and collaborative opportunities.
6. Build and maintain long-term relationships with key external stakeholders in China, including (but not limited to) research institutes, and policymakers, through in-person meetings and jointly developed projects.
7. Plan, organize, and coordinate offline symposia, webinars, and workshops, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with objectives.
8. Propose and develop content ideas for ASM’s social media in China (mainly WeChat) and facilitate communication between local vendors and the global marketing team to support content creation and promotion.
9. This position description should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other functions as assigned.
Technical Competencies (are applied or practical knowledge and skills needed for effective technical performance)
1. Analytics
2. Project Management Skills
3. Planning and Organizing Skills
4. Presentation and Written Communication Skills
5. Advanced Domain Knowledge
6. Enterprise Processes and Technologies
Behavioral Competencies (are observable behaviors and skills that matter most for success)
1. Instills Trust (Respect/Honor): Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
2. Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
3. Drives Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
4. Optimizes Work Processes: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
5. Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
6. Self-Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
Physical Demands
This role is primarily sedentary and involves prolonged periods of sitting and extensive use of computers and other digital devices. Employees may be required to engage in repetitive motions such as typing and mouse use. Occasional movement may be necessary to access office supplies or equipment within a home or remote workspace. This requires a reliable internet connection and a suitable home office setup, including standard equipment such as a computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and headset. Ergonomic considerations are encouraged to promote comfort and reduce physical strain during extended work hours.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ASM is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
ASM is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact hr@asmusa.org so we can engage in an interactive process to support your participation.
Travel Requirements- This role will be based in China
Less than 15%.
Required Education and Experience
· Master’s degree or above in a scientific discipline, preferably in Life Sciences
· 5 years or more of experience in the academic publishing industry or a related field
· Strong interpersonal skills, with confidence engaging researchers at different career stages
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Chinese
· Strong analytical, organizational and project management abilities, with attention to detail
· Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a global, matrixed organization
· Willingness to undertake domestic travel as required