Editorial Assistant (Administration)
The Royal College of Pathologists Australasia (RCPA) is the premier organisation representing pathologists and senior scientists across Australasia. Pathology, the study of disease causes and mechanisms, is advanced by specialist medical doctors who are crucial in diagnosing and monitoring illnesses. The RCPA is a not-for-profit entity overseen by a Board of Directors, employing over 50 staff at its heritage-listed Durham Hall offices in Surry Hills, Sydney. The RCPA's scientific journal, *Pathology*, publishes peer-reviewed original research to advance the science of pathology, providing members and subscribers with access to relevant research, a platform for authors, and enhancing the RCPA's international standing.
The RCPA operates with core values:
- Excellence: Taking pride in work, serving members through innovation, continuous improvement, and a focus on needs.
- Respect: Building trusting relationships with colleagues, members, government, allies, and the community to advance work and the quality practice of pathology.
- Collaboration: Partnering with one another, members, and stakeholders to achieve quality outcomes in pathology education and practice.
About the Role
The Editorial Assistant (Administration) will provide administrative support to the Managing Editor for the production and administration of the RCPA journal, *Pathology*. This part-time position, requiring three days per week, involves supporting the end-to-end processing of manuscripts and coordinating peer review for the journal. The role is dedicated to delivering high-quality administrative support to editorial processes and is not a copyediting or research position. Applications will be accepted from candidates Australia wide.
Responsibilities
- Process new and revised manuscript submissions in accordance with journal policies and editorial guidelines.
- Manage manuscript workflow through the content management system, including editor allocation and peer review tracking.
- Assist with the preparation, coordination, and proofing of the annual abstracts supplement.
- Generate reports on submission data and journal performance metrics.
- Coordinate editorial meetings, including agendas, minutes, and action tracking.
- Maintain and update the reviewer database.
- Liaise with the publisher to support member access and manage distribution lists (online and print).
- Prepare and publish the annual reviewer acknowledgement list.
- Support the Membership team by maintaining accurate CRM records, including CPD data.
- Collaborate with authors and marketing to develop scientific and promotional content.
- Assist in the delivery of journal-related events, providing administrative and technical support.
- Undertake additional duties as directed by the Managing Editor within a collaborative team environment.
About You
The RCPA seeks an administrative professional who brings structure, clarity, and efficiency to tasks, and who is relied upon for accurate and up-to-date systems, records, and processes. You will be someone who takes pride in delivering high-quality administrative support that ensures seamless operation of people, processes, and systems. You will ensure manuscripts comply with submission policies and editorial guidelines, maintain accurate records, manage workflow systems, and coordinate communication with authors, reviewers, editors, and stakeholders, under the guidance of the Managing Editor.
Essential skills:
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with content management or workflow systems.
- Strong organisational, administrative, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience using content management and customer relationship management systems to maintain accurate databases.
- A systematic, well-organised approach to work, with the ability to remain focused under pressure.
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Why work for the RCPA
The RCPA is currently experiencing a period of growth, diversification, and rejuvenation, all aimed at enhancing services to better support its members and the communities they serve. This is an exciting juncture to join the organisation, with new projects, innovative digital initiatives, and fresh opportunities to contribute to meaningful change. As part of a collaborative and purpose-driven team, you will receive support to develop your skills, take initiative, and make a real impact within the medical and scientific community.
IMPACT The RCPA offers meaningful, purpose-driven work. As a member of the RCPA team, you will contribute to the advancement of pathology.
Location: Surry Hills Work type: part-time, onsite