Journals Editorial Assistant

Who we are:

The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established in 1899, is a major international organization of professional astronomers, astronomy educators, and amateur astronomers. Its membership of approximately 8,000 also includes physicists, geologists, engineers, and others whose interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising the astronomical sciences. We publish the leading research journals in astronomy, astrophysics, helio-physics, and planetary sciences.

The Job:
We are seeking an Editorial Assistant to join the AAS Journals Team. This Editorial Assistant will assist with the peer review for our prestigious and leading scientific journals. This is a fully remote position with an outstanding compensation and benefits package! You will join a collegial and collaborative team dedicated to the finest possible customer service for scientific authors submitting their journal articles to AAS publications.

You will be working to support and learn from the editorial team of AAS Editor-in-Chief, Lead Editors, Scientific Editors, and Data Editors (who all work remotely too). This is a fun, fast-paced, collaborative work team - and yet you work independently to ensure that your work is completed on-time and with a strong eye for detail.

A Typical Week May Look Like This:

• Assists the Editorial team with general AAS article submission requirements, editorial procedures and policy, and peer review deadlines.
• Assists Editorial Operations Manager in monitoring general workflow of article submissions (paying attention to time zones - as your colleagues are also working remotely "all over the place").
• Assists authors and referees with questions about submission requirements, metadata capture, and file integrity.
• Communicates with authors submitting articles for publication, both on an expedited and standard basis.
• Develops new configuration or enhancements for the web-based peer review system and in evaluating peer review software and tools, in collaboration with the Editorial Operations Manager.
• Employs an eye for detail and accuracy - and work in a multi-tasking environment to meet publication deadlines.

Is This You:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required (degrees in journalism, liberal arts, or sciences are welcome)
• Experience working in a editorial or journalism setting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills to work with the editorial team to manage the article submission process
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook)
• Intermediate experience with Adobe Acrobat is helpful and preferred (You will work A LOT with this program while converting manuscripts to an editable form)
• Comfortable working with colleagues on Zoom (all day, every day)!
• Demonstrated ability to acquire skills necessary to manage a variety of tasks related to learning computer programs, journal manuscript submissions, review, and publication required

The AAS actively seeks a diverse candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.