JIAS Editorial Associates

The Purpose of the Position

• With an impact factor of 5.2, the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS) is an online, open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal serving the dissemination of essential and innovative HIV‑related research. JIAS welcomes submissions on HIV-related topics from across all scientific disciplines, including but not limited to:
• Basic and biomedical sciences
• Behavioural sciences and epidemiology
• Clinical sciences
• Health economics and health policy
• Operations research and implementation sciences
• Social sciences and humanities
• JIAS prioritizes submissions from operational research and implementation science to support comprehensive, yet affordable and sustainable treatment, prevention and care programmes in different contexts.
• The Editorial Associates will be responsible for supporting the editorial process of JIAS in particular coordinating publication of special issues and communication, as well as assisting the editors in various tasks including the peer review process.

Requirements

• A minimum of a Masters’ degree in a scientific, public health or relevant discipline is required.
• At least 2 years’ work experience in a similar position, preferably in HIV/AIDS or public health
• Experience in public health research, including writing articles for publication in peer reviewed journals and acting as a peer reviewer, is an asset
• Advanced level of spoken and written English (other UN languages a plus)
• Knowledge of scientific literature and publishing; global health knowledge, particularly in HIV desirable
• Advanced skills in using research databases (e.g. PubMed, Web of Science, Dimensions)
• Excellent skills in scientific writing and editing
• Excellent skills in the Windows environment (particularly Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI, EndNote)
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, ability to prioritize and multitask
• Meticulous attention to details
• Ability to work independently and solve problems
• Strong social and stakeholder management skills, independent and service-oriented
• Ability to travel internationally 1-2 times per year

Responsibilities:

• Support the initial assessment of newly submitted manuscripts, considering their novelty, scientific soundness, relevance and potential importance to the journal, and identifying issues requiring further editorial consideration.
• Manage and expedite the peer review process under the guidance of the Managing Editor and support the Deputy Editors, including inviting reviewers, monitoring progress and following up regularly to ensure timely reviews and editorial decisions.
• Consolidate feedback and recommendations from editors and peer reviewers, and invite authors to revise manuscripts, ensuring that clear, consistent and constructive comments are communicated to authors.
• Assess revised manuscripts, in collaboration with the Managing Editor and Deputy Editors, to determine whether authors have adequately addressed editorial and reviewer comments, identifying outstanding issues requiring further consideration by the editors.
• Support the editorial management of journal supplements, liaising with Guest Editors, Editors-in-Chief and other relevant editors to coordinate manuscript assessment, peer review, revisions and editorial follow-up, while ensuring consistency with the journal's editorial standards and timelines.
• Liaise with the Journal publisher and follow up on action items.
• Manage the editorial inbox, including answering general queries.
• Promote the journal through social media and other IAS communication channels.
• Arrange and coordinate agreements with suppliers including for printing special issues and production of promotional material, ensuring adherence to timelines.
• Support the organisation of editorial meetings as well as JIAS mentoring activities (including workshops).
• Write meeting and evaluation reports following journal activities.
• Perform surveys and statistical analyses of journal article performance for the editorial newsletter and annual meeting.
• Perform any additional relevant tasks as requested.