Community Manager and Online Editor

Journal of Cell Science and its publisher The Company of Biologists are seeking to appoint a new Community Manager to run our microscopy community website, FocalPlane.

Launched in 2020, FocalPlane is a curated and centralised platform for the microscopy community to share news and techniques, discuss issues relevant to the field and read about the latest research and events. We are now looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join us for the next phase of community building and the site’s growth and further development. Joining an experienced and successful journal team, this is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated team player to take a step into publishing, or for someone already working in science communication to extend their interest in online communities.

Core responsibilities of the position include:
• Creating and commissioning content for FocalPlane, including writing posts and soliciting
content from the academic community, societies, companies and other organisations
• Providing user support and ensuring site functionality on a day-to-day basis
• Providing creative and practical input into the development of the site
• Maintaining and developing the site’s presence on social media sites such as Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram
• Contributing to Journal of Cell Science’s presence on social media sites
• Writing non peer-reviewed content for the journal
• Representing Journal of Cell Science and FocalPlane at relevant conferences

You will have relevant experience, ideally a PhD in an area that includes some knowledge of microscopy. Other essential requirements are excellent communication skills, a good writing style, plus confidence in networking and building relationships. You will also have a diplomatic style, enthusiasm, judgement and integrity. Any experience with additional media, such as video or podcasting, or knowledge of WordPress would be a plus.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to further develop this hub for the microscopy community – in a similar vein to the Company’s established community site for developmental biologists, the Node – and to engage with relevant people at all levels: academics, developers, facilities, institutes and companies. In this role, you will work closely with the Executive Editor of Journal of Cell Science and alongside an experienced in-house team of editors and community managers. This is a permanent, full-time position, and is based in The Company of Biologists’ attractive modern offices on the outskirts of Cambridge, UK, with the possibility of up to 50% remote working. The Company of Biologists is a not-for-profit publishing organisation dedicated to supporting and inspiring the biological community. The Company publishes five specialist peer-reviewed journals: Development, Journal of Cell Science, Journal of Experimental Biology, Disease Models & Mechanisms and Biology Open.

We take great pride in the experience of our editorial team and the quality of the work we publish. We believe that the profits from publishing the hard work of biologists should support scientific discovery and help develop future scientists. Our community sites provide researchers with opportunities for networking and the sharing of research and related information. Our grants help support societies, meetings and individuals. Our workshops and meetings give the opportunity to network and collaborate. As the Company approaches its centenary in 2025, this is an exciting time to join us as we plan our celebrations.

The Company of Biologists is proud of its inclusive culture and we believe that everyone has a contribution to make. We want all our employees to feel included, valued and appreciated. We believe in equality of opportunity for all staff and encourage applications from all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status and citizenship.

To apply, please send your CV to recruitment@biologists.com along with a covering letter stating current salary, relevant experience and why you are enthusiastic about this opportunity.

Initial application deadline is 28 October, but we will consider applications on a rolling basis so encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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