Manuscript Editor I

Department

Press Journals Science Editorial

About the Department

The University of Chicago Press publishes more than 85 peer-reviewed journals and the Chicago Manual of Style, with more than 70,000 active subscribers managed in a proprietary subscription fulfillment database.

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

• Copy edit academic journal articles in science and economics following tight production schedules and deadlines.
• Copy edit 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 guidance from others. Establishes editing schedules.
• Collaborates with authors to resolve routine problems using existing procedures and to clarify meaning. Assists with quality control by proofreading edited manuscripts.
• 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 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 copy editing or proofreading, preferably in scholarly journals or books rather than newspapers or magazines.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, XML-based editing, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Background in science, economics, or math helpful.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Work independently and 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.
• Focus, despite distractions in environment.
• Work on multiple jobs simultaneously, involving manuscripts in various stages of the publication process, for multiple journals with different styles and procedures.
• Take direction and ask questions.
• Take responsibility for meeting deadlines and managing time.
• Background in a foreign language.

Working Conditions

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

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (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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