The Journal of American Studies is Europe’s largest American Studies journal, and has been published continuously by Cambridge University Press since 1966. JAS seeks to critique and interrogate the notion of “America”, pursuing this through international perspectives on the history, literature, politics and culture of the United States and its empire. It publishes works by scholars from all over the world on American literature, history, institutions, politics, economics, film, popular culture, geography and related subjects in domestic, continental, hemispheric, and global contexts. Its expanded book review section offers in-depth analysis of recent American Studies scholarship to promote further discussion and debate. The journal is intended not only for students and scholars, but also for general readers with an interest in the United States.

JAS is seeking an Editorial Assistant (Maternity Cover) to support the JAS editors and coeditors with the processing and production of peer-reviewed articles, non-peer reviewed essays, and book reviews. The Editorial Assistant works alongside the Journal Manager and reports to the Co-Editors. 

The appointment is for a fixed period of 7 months.  

Key duties of the post include:

• Maintenance, checking, and data inputting into the ScholarOne system. This includes:

updating editorial checklists, assigning readers to submissions in consultation with the editors, completing article production checklists

• Maintaining regular contact with the Co-Editors-in-Chief, including weekly updates regarding new submissions, missing readers’ reports etc. 
• Communicating with authors and reviewers regarding any queries that they may have relating to the review/production/publication process in a timely manner.
• With the Journal Manager, maintaining regular contact with the Production team at CUP in order to ensure timely processing of articles accepted for publication in readiness for appearance in print.
• Supporting the Associate Editors with inviting book reviewers and contributors of non-peer review articles via Scholar One
• Communicating with authors regarding any queries that they may have relating to the review/production/publication process in a timely manner.
• Maintaining a database of books available for review, reviewers, reviews in process, and commissions
• Requesting copies of books assigned from their publishers and keeping a record of these requests

Essential Criteria

• A strong interest in and/or academic background in American Studies and associated fields, as fall within the remit of the Journal of American Studies
• Knowledge of the processes and standards of academic publishing
• Strong organizational and communication skills 
• Attention to detail and ability to follow processes precisely and efficiently –           Ability to work as part of an editorial team and independently

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working for an academic journal or similar
• Experience with ScholarOne journal management software is desirable

The Editorial Assistant role is flexible and has irregular hours, depending on the workflow and needs of the Editorial Team. It is not expected that you will be required to work, on average, more than 45 hours per month. 

If you accept the post, you will be a UK taxpayer (even if you are living outside the UK for all or most of the year) and must be compliant with the following criteria: https://www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk. 

The role will appointed at spine point 6 on the BAAS pay scale, with a salary of £33,332£33.996 FT, pro-rated,

Applicants should send the following materials to Katie Edwards, BAAS Administrator (katie.edwards@baas.ac.uk) Michael Collins, BAAS Chair (chair@baas.ac.uk) and Krysten Blackstone, Chair of Publications Sub-Committee (krysten.blackstone@baas.ac.uk):

1. a CV (no more than 2 pages)
2. cover letter (no more than 1 page) that details their interest in the role and highlights their relevant experience 
3. the names and contact details of two referees who are happy to be contacted about their application

Closing date: 5pm Friday 5 June. 

Interviews will be held online during the week beginning Monday June 15, with the successful candidate beginning their appointment by June 29.