Editorial Assistant

Editorial Assistant - Ashfield MedComms - UK based (Ability to work in Macclesfield or Manchester office required for role training)

Key objective
To assist with the development and publication of client medical education content. 

Main duties
•    Proof-reading, styling and copy-editing of medical and scientific content.
•    Work with internal design department (including Artwork, PowerPoint and new media divisions) to develop high quality materials. Take responsibility for the communication of design briefs and check the work produced.
•    Liaison with external contacts (e.g., healthcare professionals, clients, congress secretariat, publishers) to settle queries or obtain materials/approvals.
•    Track progress of projects, providing internal and external updates where necessary.
•    Liaison with other Editorial Assistants (EAs), Editors and Senior EAs to optimally manage support staff workload across the division.
•    Management of administrative tasks (e.g. collation and copying of data packs, reference ordering, obtaining copyright permissions, maintaining team filing systems).
•    Undertake basic information searching.
•    Writing projects where appropriate, e.g., biographies, minutes, correspondence etc.
•    Assist in the coordination of publications management where necessary. This may involve some or all of the following responsibilities:
•    Co-ordinate activities to ensure successful delivery of all planned publications (manuscripts, posters and abstracts) 
•    Proactively develop/manage/update publication plan charts or databases based on team/client/author responses/feedback
•    Flag issues proactively, inform/drive team relating to impending deadlines (abstract due dates, author/client comments due etc), proactively chase comments etc
•    Liaise with Team Leader to ensure that incoming comments on manuscripts/abstracts/posters are allocated to and actioned by Medical Writers/Editors in a timely manner
•    Be main source of information for status of all ongoing publications
•    Be main source of information for congress and journal information in specific therapy area
•    Actively interrogate databases/charts to provide relevant statistics on publication planning (metrics etc) to team/client.

Skills/knowledge required
•    Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
•    Attention to detail.
•    Ability to multitask and prioritise tasks.
•    Excellent word-processing skills.
•    Good copy-editing skills (grammar, style considerations – ability to become a guardian of in-house style and client product style preferences).
•    Proficiency in the use of common computer software (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and willingness to learn about new systems/other software (e.g. Access, online search facilities, Internet and other databases).
•    Willingness to perform a variety of tasks – from simple administrative tasks to more complex projects.
•    Scientific/medical background or interest is an advantage.
•    Previous publishing company experience is an advantage. 
•    Previous communications agency or healthcare company experience is an advantage.

Reports to:
•    Senior Editorial Assistant/Editorial Specialist Lead/Editorial Services Manager

Due to a large number of applications, we will only be able to respond to those who are able to attend one of our North West offices per the location information provided in the job description. If you are relocating to one of these locations, please put your new location in the application information. If you do not hear back within one working week, your application is unsuccessful.