Manuscript Editor I

Department

Press Journals Science Editorial

About the Department

Since its origins in 1890 as one of the three main divisions of the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Press has embraced as its mission the obligation to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. Through our books and journals, we seek not only to advance scholarly conversation within and across traditional disciplines but, in keeping with the University of Chicago's experimental tradition, to help define new areas of knowledge and intellectual endeavor.

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.

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 some guidance from others. Establishes editing schedules.
• Coordinate all stages of manuscript editing and proof review up to the time the book is bound and edit and approve catalog and jacket materials with guidance from others.
• 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:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Graduate coursework.

Experience:

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

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, XML-based editing, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  
• Work independently and to 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.
• Ability to focus, despite distractions in environment.
• Ability to work on multiple jobs simultaneously, involving manuscripts in various stages of the publication process, for multiple journals with different styles and procedures.
• Willingness to take direction.
• Willingness to take responsibility for meeting deadlines.
• Background in a foreign language.

Working Conditions

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

Application Documents

• Resume (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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$45,900.00 - $59,400.00

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.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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