Manuscript Editor

The Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) is the statewide professional association for physicians and medical students, supporting 25,000 members. We are dedicated to educating and advocating for the physicians of Massachusetts and patients locally and nationally. A leadership voice in health care, the MMS contributes physician and patient perspectives to influence health-related legislation at the state and federal levels, works in support of public health, provides expert advice on physician practice management, and addresses issues of physician well-being. Under the auspices of the NEJM Group, the MMS extends our mission globally by advancing medical knowledge from research to patient care through the New England Journal of Medicine, NEJM Catalyst, and the NEJM Journal Watch family of specialty publications, and through our education products for health care professionals: NEJM Knowledge+, NEJM Resident 360, and our accredited and comprehensive continuing medical education programs.

The world has changed, and so has the way we work. The MMS has adopted a flexible work model that allows most employees to choose where they work – at home, onsite in our Waltham or Boston office, or a combination of the two – based on their preferences and our business needs. Because what matters is the work we do, not where we do it.

The Manuscript Editor edits material for publication in The New England Journal of Medicine, negotiates changes with authors, and carries out related editorial tasks.

Responsibilities

Edits manuscripts for logic, clarity, style, internal consistency, grammar, and usage, rewriting as necessary.
Edits and determines format of figures and tables, restructuring as necessary, and verifies mathematical calculations. Works closely with medical illustrators to produce clear, accurate figures.
Edits interactive and other online-only content according to style.
Discusses revisions with authors, eliciting new material to correct and clarify the original manuscript, explaining Journal policy and correct usage, accepting or rejecting the author’s proposed changes, and suggesting alternatives as necessary.
Reads and corrects galleys and pages for clarity, style, consistency, and grammar.
Consults deputy editors or executive editor for clarification of obscure or ambiguous technical material.
Undertakes technical research as necessary, using print and online resources.
Attends departmental meetings and performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Experience

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required, in addition to strong language skills, specialized knowledge of grammar and word usage, knowledge of publishing procedures, and familiarity with medical and scientific concepts, foreign languages, and mathematics.
Several years of experience as a full-time manuscript editor are necessary, as well as familiarity with electronic editing with the use of Microsoft Word and tracked changes.
Experience in medical or scientific editing and a demonstrated editing ability are highly desirable.
Experience interacting with authors by telephone and e-mail highly desirable.
Must be able to work calmly and effectively under intense deadline pressure, balancing accuracy and careful attention to detail against the demands of a weekly publication schedule.
Must be confident, mature, and tactful to deal effectively with authors and editors.

Benefits

Our generous benefits offerings include: 2 weeks of paid vacation, 6 personal days, 12 sick days, 12 paid holidays, medical and dental plans, 401(k) plans with company match, back-up childcare assistance, tuition assistance and more!

The MMS has earned praise as one of the Top Places to Work in Massachusetts by The Boston Globe for the past 11 years in a row! The Globe surveys employees regarding their opinions about company leadership, benefits, ethics, values and culture, and recognizes those companies who receive high marks from their employees.