Who is the Expert?

Patrick Zobel is a researcher and editor with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Heidelberg and a PhD from the University of Vienna. He has postdoctoral experience at Lund University and Vienna, specializing in photophysics and computational chemistry. As an Associate Editor at Nature Communications since 2023, he manages the peer review process and evaluates manuscripts in physical chemistry. His expertise helps researchers communicate their work effectively.

The Publishing Process

Make your communication as concise as possible” – Patrick Zobel

Publishing academic research is essential for sharing knowledge and advancing various fields. The journey from research to publication involves several key steps. After preparing the manuscript for publication, selecting an appropriate journal is crucial.

To publish effectively, researchers should explain the significance of their work, organize it clearly, and match the technical detail to their audience.

What reviewers look for:

• Important Findings: Show the key results that matter in your field.
• Clear Writing: Make sure your writing and visuals are easy to understand.
• Be Brief: Keep your information short and to the point.
• Check Importance: Decide if your work is valuable and helps the field grow.

Once published, it’s important to promote the research through academic networks, conferences, and social media to engage the community and discuss its implications.

Open Access vs. Subscription-Based Publishing: Key Considerations

Choosing between open access and subscription-based publishing is another important consideration. Open access articles are freely available and often incur an Article Processing Charge (APC) of €2,000 to €6,000, but they generally receive more citations and media mentions. Conversely, subscription-based articles require library access and typically do not involve fees for authors, but they limit public availability.

Understanding the publishing process and making informed choices can empower researchers to effectively share their findings and contribute to their fields.

Roles and Careers in Scientific Publishing

If you don’t like to read scientific literature – this job is probably not for you.
If you like to read scientific literature – this is a dream job” – Patrick Zobel

The field of scientific publishing offers a variety of career opportunities that cater to different interests and skills. From editors to production teams, each role plays a vital part in the journey of research from submission to publication:

• Editor: Oversees manuscript review and publication process.
• Editorial Assistant: Supports editorial tasks and manages submissions.
• Production Team: Handles the logistics of publishing, including typesetting and indexing.
• Management Roles: Includes positions in IT, HR, and other departments.

About 75% of an editor’s time is dedicated to reviewing manuscripts, which includes examining submissions, conducting literature research, discussing findings, and making publication decisions. In the revision phase, taking up 15% of their time, editors assess reviewer feedback and determine necessary changes. The final 10% focuses on ensuring editorial revisions are completed and that all documentation meets formatting guidelines before publication.

What skills do you need as an editor?

Candidates for this role typically need a PhD in a relevant field and should possess strong analytical skills and a good understanding of research fundamentals. Effective communication and the ability to identify emerging research areas are also crucial.

• Qualifications: PhD in the field or related area; postdoctoral experience is a plus.
• Knowledge: Strong grasp of subject fundamentals and broad research interests.
• Evaluation Skills: Assess novelty and implications of submitted works.
• Interview Focus: Demonstrate manuscript assessment, expert identification, and reviewer evaluation.
• Research Insight: Identify emerging and underrepresented research areas.

Editorial Work and Content Selection

Editors evaluate manuscripts by verifying the validity of the data, its relevance to previous research, and the novelty of the findings. They also ensure the work provides valuable insights for other researchers in the field.

What does the editor look for?

• Data Support: Does the data back up the authors‘ claims?
• Connection to Previous Research: How does this work relate to what’s already known?
• Novelty and Insight: Are there new ideas or improvements in this research?
• Usefulness for Others: Will other researchers find this work valuable or useful for their own studies

Selected for their expertise, editors collaborate closely in a rigorous review process, upholding high standards to publish only the most impactful studies. This ensures that the research contributes meaningfully to scientific progress.

Peer Review Process

In peer review, reviewers evaluate a manuscript’s significance, data accuracy, methodology, and replicability. They check if the results are impactful and supported by sound analysis.

Editors then review this feedback to decide whether to accept, request revisions, or reject the paper. If revisions are needed, editors and reviewers ensure the authors adequately address the concerns, helping resolve any disputes between them.

Once accepted, editors assist with formatting, verify author contributions, and check for conflicts of interest. Some journals also provide additional editing services to enhance clarity and presentation before publication.

Transition from Academia to Industry

 Learning is the most important transferable skill” – Patrick Zobel

Shifting from academia to industry means using skills in scientific publishing, research and presentations. It’s important to build transferable skills like communication, time management, and decision-making. Being ready to adapt and balancing motivation with the right timing and qualifications are key for success.

Q&A

Did you have an onboarding phase when you started? Was it difficult to make the transition from academia?

The onboarding phase as an editor begins with a lighter workload, initially focusing on new submissions, while progressively developing a personal decision-making approach and learning through practice.

It seems that to enter the industry, most publishers require applicants to have journalistic experience. What’s your experience entering publishing without this expertise?

At Nature Communications, prior publishing experience isn’t needed but helps for senior roles. Scientific editor positions usually don’t require journalistic experience.

How would you advise someone to gain some experience or knowledge in scientific editing? Are there any resources available?

There aren’t many resources available, so to prepare for a job interview for an editor position, assess unpublished articles and determine suitable journals to practice typical editorial tasks.

What will you look out for in someone applying for an editorial role at application and interview stage?

The candidate should hold a PhD in a relevant field and ideally have postdoctoral experience, demonstrating a solid grasp of the fundamental principles of the subject. They must possess a broad interest in scientific research, capable of critically evaluating the novelty and significance of submitted works while effectively managing the assessment of manuscripts, selecting appropriate reviewers and identifying emerging research areas that are timely or underrepresented.

What is the career path to progress after an editor position? Is it possible to move to management or senior editorial positions?

Editors start as Associate Editors, with potential promotions to senior editor after a few years, depending on the journal. Senior Editors may remain in their roles for long periods, while opportunities exist to become Chief Editors or transition to management positions within publishing houses, often favoring those with management backgrounds.

What’s your work-life balance?

The role typically involves slightly over 40 hours per week with additional holiday days, but it can be demanding due to the concentration required for extensive reading. While the work offers less freedom compared to academia, with expectations for set hours and a constant flow of tasks, effective time management is essential to navigate these challenges.

What suggestion would you give PhD students who are not sure whether to stay or leave academia?

Academic work is not a waste of time but will help you to get a job as a scientific editor” – Patrick Zobel

Pursue specific positions if you are motivated. Staying in academia can be beneficial for skill development, aiding future roles such as scientific editors. For those aiming for a professorship, a clear career plan is essential. If you are uncertain about a long-term academic career, focus on learning and know you can transition beyond academia when you are ready.

RESEARCHERS BEYOND ACADEMIA by Euraxess

Created in collaboration with the Researchers Beyond Academia (REBECA) Hub by EURAXESS.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme within the framework of the ERA TALENT Project funded under grant agreement No 10110347.