Elements Copyeditor: Job Description and Application

We seek a copyeditor to join the editorial team of Elements magazine as it heads towards its third decade. Elements is published six times a year and is a joint publication between 18 international societies covering the fields of mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry (MPG). Each issue comprises six peer-reviewed, thematic articles geared to the technical MPG nonspecialist, as well as nonthematic content. Reporting to the executive editor, the copyeditor will help ensure that the magazine’s content conforms to Elements’ high editorial standards. The copyeditor has the following core tasks: to ensure that the content is clearly expressed and is free from grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors; to ensure that the content conforms to Elements’ established editorial style; to check that all mineral names, mineral formulas, and geographical names are correct; to ensure that mathematical style conventions are rigorously followed; to check that figures are clear and are correctly cited in the text; to ensure that the reference list is complete and stylistically correct; to check and correct the prepublication proofs.

This position will appeal to those who delight in well-written English and have an eye for detail. The position allows for creativity and is ideal for those interested in helping to make difficult science subjects accessible to the nonspecialist reader. There are no geographic restrictions on the location of the copyeditor, but there must be ready access to the Internet.

Required qualifications:

• A BSc in Earth science or a related scientific field, or equivalent experience.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English is essential.
• A minimum of 3 years of copyediting experience is needed, preferably copyediting for a general geoscience publication.
• The candidate is able to use standard software packages (Microsoft® Word, Adobe® Acrobat) for manipulating and treating texts.

The position is subject to an annual contract renewal.

The start date is 31 January 2022 with a time commitment of approximately 80 hours every 2 months. For additional information about Elements, see http://elementsmagazine.org.

Candidates should provide a cover letter that clearly addresses the required qualifications, a CV, and the names of three referees. All interested candidates should apply online using the form below.

Review of applications will begin Monday, 27 December 2021. The position will remain open until filled.