The Publishing Ethics Expert plays a key role in supporting Elsevier’s commitment to research integrity by advising Editors and Publishers on best practice in handling ethical allegations across all research disciplines. This role supports ethics investigations, contributes to initiatives that help prevent or detect ethical issues, and delivers training and guidance aligned with Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) principles and Elsevier policies.
About the Role
We are seeking a collaborative and analytical professional to join the Research Integrity & Publishing Ethics team within Elsevier’s STM Journals publishing division. The successful candidate will support the fair, consistent, and transparent handling of publishing ethics matters, applying sound judgment, attention to detail, and clear communication when working with a wide range of stakeholders in a complex, international environment.
Responsibilities
* Assess activities and allegations relating to authors, reviewers, editors, guest editors, and other stakeholders
* Support editors in evaluating ethical concerns, including plagiarism, duplicate publication, authorship disputes, peer-review manipulation, and image or data issues
* Advise on appropriate actions such as corrections, editor notes, expressions of concern, and retraction notices
* Work with Legal, Communications, and other internal teams as appropriate
* Manage cases involving multiple journals or complex stakeholder networks
* Communicate clearly, professionally, and diplomatically with internal and external stakeholders
* Provide education and guidance to internal colleagues and the wider research community, including participation in editorial board meetings and author webinars
* Contribute to updates or enhancements to ethical policies in response to emerging issues
* Act as a subject‑matter expert on ethics‑related projects and initiatives, including contributions to product or workflow development
* Support user access and best‑practice use of ethics‑related tools
Qualifications
* Relevant professional experience in scholarly publishing, editorial roles, or research integrity (typically five or more years), with demonstrated achievements in related areas
* A degree in an academic or related discipline, or equivalent experience
* In‑depth knowledge of the peer‑review and publishing process, including ethical guidelines such as COPE best practices
* Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly
* Experience supporting editors, researchers, or other senior academic stakeholders
* Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across disciplines, regions, and professional backgrounds
* Strong judgement, integrity, and professionalism when handling sensitive matters
* Well‑developed analytical, organisational, prioritisation, and problem‑solving skills
* Experience working successfully in a complex, matrixed, international environment
* Assessment or case study may form part of the selection process
Benefits
* Generous holiday allowance with the option to buy additional days
* Private medical benefits, health screening and eye care vouchers
* Wellbeing programmes and Employee Assistance Programme
* Life assurance and a competitive contributory pension scheme
* Share‑save scheme and travel season ticket loan
* Family‑friendly policies, including maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
* Learning and development opportunities and employee resource groups
* RECARES days to support causes that matter to you
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