Editorial Assistant

The Royal College of Pathologists Australasia (RCPA) is the leading organisation representing pathologists and senior scientists in Australasia.

Pathology involves the study of the causes of disease. Pathologists are specialist medical doctors involved in the diagnosis and monitoring of almost all acute and chronic illnesses.

The RCPA was established in 1956 and has been responsible for the training and professional development of pathologists since that time. We also provide training programs for senior scientists working in pathology.

RCPA has around 4500 members practising in private and public pathology sectors across Australasia, including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. The College is also responsible for the promotion of the science and practice of pathology.

The RCPA is a not-for-profit organisation governed by a Board of Directors. It comprises more than 50 staff members and the office is located in the heritage-listed Durham Hall in Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW.

Values

• Excellence

We take pride in what we do, and we serve our Fellows, Trainees and other members through innovation, continuous improvement and a consistent focus on meeting their needs.

• Respect

We create trusting and enduring relationships with colleagues, members, government, allies and the community to advance our work and the quality practice of pathology.

• Collaboration

We work in partnership with one another, our Fellows, Trainees and other members, and key stakeholders to deliver quality outcomes in pathology education and practice.

The Editorial Assistant supports the Managing Editor in the production and administration of the RCPA's journal Pathology. In this part time position, 3 days per week, you will support the end‑to‑end processing of manuscripts and coordination of peer review for the journal. Applications will be accepted from candidates Australia wide.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end manuscript process, ensuring submissions meet journal policies and deadlines.
• Support editors and reviewers throughout peer review, including assignment, triage, and decision tracking.
• Prepare accepted manuscripts and proofs, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines.
• Use and recommend emerging technologies to enhance editorial quality and efficiency.
• Coordinate editorial meetings, agendas, reports, and minutes, and maintain reviewer and distribution databases.
• Liaise with authors, publishers, and communications teams to promote journal content and engagement.
• Contribute to reports, the annual abstracts supplement, and publication of reviewer acknowledgements.
• Support journal promotion through social media and hosting journal clubs.
• Undertake additional editorial and administrative tasks as required.

You will ensure manuscripts comply with submission policies and editorial guidelines, check for accuracy, maintain editorial systems, and liaise effectively with authors, reviewers, editors, internal staff and external partners as required and under the guidance of the Managing Editor.

Essential skills:

• Experience in scholarly or scientific publishing, editing, and proofreading.
• Understanding of the peer review process and academic publishing.
• Experience with CRM systems and database management.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and high attention to detail.
• Systematic, ordered and focused under pressure.
• Capacity to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Desirable skills:

• Tertiary degree in science, health or communication
• Experience using online editorial management systems.
• Familiarity with style guides, house branding, or document accessibility standards.
• Basic design skills using tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of social media content creation for academic/professional audiences.

The RCPA is currently undergoing a period of growth, diversification and rejuvenation, all with the ultimate goal of improving our services to better support our members and the communities they serve.

This is an exciting time 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'll be supported to grow your skills, take initiative and make a real impact within the medical and scientific community.

IMPACT

We offer meaningful, purpose-driven work. As a member of the RCPA team, you will be working to support the advancement of pathology and the pivotal role it plays in healthcare.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

All work and no play…no way We work hard in a collegiate and collaborative environment that allows us to enjoy balance in both life and work.

FLEXIBILITY

With flexible work options, we are a truly hybrid workplace.Staff are usually in the office twice a week (Tuesday is expected to be all in the office) and have the flexibility to work from home on other days.

BELONGING/GROWTH

Our strength is in the excellence of our people. We are committed to investing in our team and work culture to provide opportunities for personal growth and career development.

BENEFITS

In addition to a hybrid workplace, we offer an annual wellness allowance of $100 per year (eligibility criteria apply), along with additional paid leave over the Christmas and New Year closure.

As a health promotion charity, salary packaging is available.

Applications are reviewed upon submission, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please provide an up-to-date resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

The RCPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and social inclusion. We encourage people with a disability, those who identify as Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, mature age and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for job opportunities.

All applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia.