One year on and I’m starting to feel like a veteran. I’m training in peer review, and surprising myself with my ability to understand and discuss a wide range of papers.
Peer review training has been fascinating, as you get the chance to read newly submitted manuscripts containing brand new research, before sending them out to be reviewed and then finally making the all-important decision of whether to accept it for the journal. So far, I have only done peer review for
Soft Matter, and my initial terror at branching out into such new territory (my background is in organic and inorganic synthesis) has given way to enthusiasm for all things Soft. I’m learning a lot, and in meetings I can merrily use words like “colloid” and “rheology” and “liposome”, which were only recently a complete mystery to me.
My list of responsibilities is also growing. Recently I have been given the opportunity to train a new member of the team in issue make-up, I have been made journal coordinator for Soft Matter, and I have been given some external Associate Editors to look after. All these responsibilities have helped me grow in confidence, and added variety to my working day. I’m also scheduled to attend a
Faraday Discussion in September, which I’m really looking forward to, and I may get a chance to go along to the upcoming RSC Editor’s Symposium in Brussels.
Outside right now Cambridge is covered in a gorgeous white dusting of snow. Fortunately the office is toasty warm!
Elisabeth Ratcliffe is a Graduate working in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Publishing Department. To see if there are any current vacancies go to 'RSC: Latest Vacancies' Blog or subscribe to 'RSC: Latest Vacancies' by Email
One year on and I’m starting to feel like a veteran. I’m training in peer review, and surprising myself with my ability to understand and discuss a wide range of papers. 
