What are the responsibilities and job description for the Scientific Deputy Editor position at Radiological Society of North America?
What we're looking for: We are seeking a talented professional editor as a fulltime staff position for a PhD-level scientist who applies deep subject-matter expertise and editorial judgment to the evaluation and selection of cutting-edge, peer-reviewed research. The Scientific Deputy Editor works closely with the Editor and academic Deputy Editors, playing a central role in assessing scientific rigor, novelty, and impact in cancer biology, imaging science, and translational research and in shaping the journal’s scientific direction.
What you'll do:
- Scientific and Editorial Decision Making
- Collaborate with the Editor and academic Deputy Editors to evaluate submitted manuscripts and make recommendations regarding revision, acceptance, or rejection, with final decisions made by the Editor.
- Scientific Assessment
- Critically assess the scientific rigor, methodological soundness, originality, and significance of submitted research, with particular attention to cancer biology, medical imaging, and translational science.
- Peer Review Oversight
- Weigh expert reviewer input and exercise independent scientific judgment to arrive at clear, well reasoned editorial recommendations, communicating decisions and rationale professionally in writing and discussion.
- Editorial Board Engagement
- Discuss manuscripts, reviewer feedback, and scientific trends with the editorial board during weekly editorial meetings and at in person meetings as needed.
- Integrity and Quality Assurance
- Safeguard the scientific credibility of all published content by ensuring compliance with ethical standards, reporting guidelines, and accepted research practices (e.g., study design, validation, transparency, and reproducibility).
- Strategic Content Development
- Help shape the journal’s scientific scope by soliciting high impact reviews, editorials, and commentaries, and by identifying emerging areas of importance in cancer research and imaging science.
- Scholarly Communication and Visibility
- Contribute to the journal’s visibility through selective writing or editing of non primary content (e.g., editorials, highlights, or outreach content such as social media), focusing on scientific insight rather than stylistic editing.
- Professional Representation
- Represent RSNA and its journals at scientific meetings, conferences, and academic institutions, including occasional presentations and interactions with researchers and clinicians.
- Special Projects
- Participate in strategic initiatives and special editorial projects aligned with the journal’s mission.
What you'll need:
- Education and Scientific Background
- PhD or MD required.
- Strong preference for candidates with expertise in cancer biology, translational cancer research, molecular imaging, computational biology, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated ability to critically assess research across disciplines.
- Research and Publishing Experience
- Authorship of peer‑reviewed scientific publications required.
- Experience as a peer reviewer and/or involvement in editorial activities (e.g., editorial board member, associate editor, or similar roles) is strongly preferred.
- Prior experience in scientific publishing, research communication, or editorial decision‑making is advantageous but not mandatory.
- Editorial Judgment and Accountability
- Demonstrated capacity for independent scientific judgment and willingness to take responsibility for editorial recommendations.
- Ability to evaluate novelty, context, and potential impact of research both within and outside one’s immediate area of expertise.
- Professionalism and Ethics
- Commitment to the highest standards of research integrity, ethical publishing, and confidentiality.
- Ability to navigate complex scientific and interpersonal issues with diplomacy and professionalism.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to engage effectively with academic editors, reviewers, authors, and professional staff.
- Must be willing to travel up to 10%, as needed
To apply, you should include a CV and a cover letter describing your scientific background and interest in editorial and evaluative roles in scholarly publishing.
While some roles may require proximity to our Oak Brook, IL office, roles based outside of our Oak Brook, IL office can sit in any of the following states: AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, MD, NC, NY, OH, OR, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI and Washington, D.C. Please only apply if you are able to live and work full-time in one of the states listed above. State locations and specifics are subject to change as our hiring requirements shift. All salaried ranges are standardized nationwide and will not vary by region.
The Radiological Society of North America is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. RSNA is committed to hiring and employing qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, sexual orientation, unfavorable military discharge, ancestry, order of protection status, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions at RSNA are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.
Salary : $70,000 - $90,000