Editorial Assistant – Medical Communications/Publications
Home-Based or Office-Based Role, Flexible Location
At ICON, it’s our people that set us apart.
As a global provider of drug development solutions, our work is serious business. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while you do it. With our vision to be the partner of choice in drug development, we hire only the best and brightest in the industry. Are you one of them?
We are looking for conscientious, resilient, and inspiring individuals to join our team. As an Editorial Assistant, your primary responsibility will be to provide support for all aspects of medical communications across ICON Global Medical Communications (GMC), including assisting with editorial services, library services, and project management. This is an entry-level position. The Editorial Assistant will work closely with the Senior Executive Editor and support the Medical Editors and Senor Medical Editors as assigned.
The Role
Being able to multitask throughout the day and stay focused and organized are key factors to success in this role as well as being able to switch gears as needed to address urgent requests.
Although prior experience is helpful, it is not necessary; ample onboarding, training, and interactive review of assigned work/progress will be provided. Based on this and the overall description, the Editorial Assistant role will fall broadly across the following allocations (as needs may vary, these allocations may be altered as necessary/required). To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
30% of the role is Editorial Services
- Update ICON GMC house editorial style guide as needed
- Assist medical editors with literature searches
- Use iThenticate software to detect potential plagiarism in manuscripts
- Assist with proofreading journal galley pages
- Maintain bibliographic (eg, EndNote) libraries by updating references and deleting duplicates
30% of the role is Project Management
- Manage work coming into the Editorial Services department from internal GMC client account teams as needed
- Monitor and update Editorial Services job site throughout the day
- Communicate with client teams as needed when tasks need to be clarified or deadlines adjusted
- Attend company, team, and department meetings, coming prepared to provide updates on the status of projects
- Record all project time in time tracking system
30% of the role is Library Services
- Create PDF documents (mock submissions) in preparation for manuscripts and abstracts to be submitted to scientific journals and medical congresses
- Download author guidelines from journal/congress sites to internal (SharePoint) submission folders
- Format manuscripts and abstracts for submission to journals/congresses
- Order scientific articles for GMC writers
- Update publication planning slides with the most recent congress dates, locations, and submission deadlines
- Assist with library finances (tracking invoices and credit card payments)
10% of the role is Administration
- Maintain goals in Performance section of Workday, ICONs self-management tool
- Complete all mandatory training (iLearn) courses and compliance training as required for select clients
- Learn required software (MS Office suite, SharePoint, EndNote, Acrobat Pro, iThenticate)
- Perform responsibilities in a professional manner, meeting company mission/goals
- Perform any other duties as required or assigned
What you need
- Baccalaureate degree or higher in English or Communications required
- Candidate with Publishing degree a plus
- Applicants who have recently obtained their degree are encouraged to apply
- Applicants with prior relevant experience in a medical publications/medical communications agency preferred
- Excellent time management skills
- Demonstrable command of the English language (read, write, and speak)
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills
- Being able to problem-solve is essential
- Ability to learn to work with network directories/databases
- Ability to learn and gain proficiency with commonly used software, including but not limited to MS Office suite, SharePoint, EndNote, Acrobat Pro, iThenticate
- The following qualifications are helpful but not required
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journal content
- Familiarity with AMA, ICMJE, and GPP guidelines
- An interest in the drug development process and medical communications
- A love of the written word and a desire to see projects through to completion
- A strong desire to be a key part of a global network of services that lead to better outcomes for its clients, its people, and for patients…apply now and Own IT@ICON!
Why join us?
Ongoing development is vital to us, and as an Editorial Assistant, you will have the opportunity to progress your career, with the potential to move into other related areas to enhance your skill set. Our benefits package is competitive, our scope is international, and we genuinely care about our people and their success.
ICON is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.
EOE race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/disability/vet/national origin
