Publishing Editor - Materials Team
I joined the RSC as a Publishing Editor in January 2015 after completing a PhD in organic chemistry at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. After picking up various temp jobs (from analysing river water to assisting on clinical trials), I had been tempted to apply for postdoctoral positions, but the stability of a permanent contract with a well-respected employer was too good an opportunity to turn down.
For me, the main attraction of the RSC over other publishing houses and employers was the graduate scheme. I knew that the training I would receive here would not only be a solid foundation for a career in scientific publishing, but would also give me transferrable editing skills which may be useful in the future.
I was initially concerned about commuting to Cambridge every day, but the RSC has been really helpful in supporting my decision to stay in Norwich, with various working from home options and a change to my working hours which means I can beat most of the traffic!
The thing I value most about working here is the friendly, supportive atmosphere. We work in teams, but the office is open-plan, and everyone I’ve met has been approachable and helpful, at all levels. I am in the Materials team, which covers Journal of Materials Chemistry A, B & C, and Materials Horizons. With my background in organic chemistry, it took me a little time to learn how to assess and edit papers on solar cells, batteries and optoelectronics, but 10 months in I’ve handled around 800 papers and made new contacts in the field.Aside from editing, my favourite part of the job is commissioning artwork as the cover co-ordinator of Journal of Materials Chemistry C. Corresponding with authors who have successfully navigated the peer review process and have sent in colourful images to promote their work is very enjoyable, and adds to the variety of my day.
Overall, I feel I’ve been very lucky to find this role in an organisation which actively promotes training and development, where I can continue to engage with and support the chemistry community.
Polly is working as a Publishing Editor in the Materials team, in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Publishing Department. To see if there are any current vacancies in Publishing click here.
I joined the RSC as a Publishing Editor in January 2015 after completing a PhD in organic chemistry at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. After picking up various temp jobs (from analysing river water to assisting on clinical trials), I had been tempted to apply for postdoctoral positions, but the stability of a permanent contract with a well-respected employer was too good an opportunity to turn down. 
