About the Role
As Research Integrity Specialist, you will be an expert in investigating and resolving data and image integrity issues. You will serve as the in-house escalation point for research integrity advisers and other colleagues outside of the integrity team, sharing your expertise widely. You are part of the growing Resolutions team in the Research Integrity Group, valuing the reliability of the published record and joining a team of like-minded problem solvers. You will work to ensure cases are investigated and managed in line with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Responsibilities
- Run investigations where specific concerns are raised regarding images, data, data analysis, and the derived results and conclusions, and validate concerns using a range of tools and techniques.
- Use scientific comprehension to provide analysis and advice for in-house editorial teams to determine manuscript suitability for publication and recommend post-publication actions.
- Communicate effectively to understand and express complex ethics concepts, and clearly and concisely explain cases to internal and external stakeholders.
- Serve as an escalation point for Research Integrity Advisers for complicated cases requiring expertise regarding image or data integrity.
- Process multiple “Large cases” concurrently, working as a project lead and collaborating with the Support team and Associate Research Integrity Advisers.
- Use knowledge of the case to streamline processes to drive them to resolution following Standard Operating Procedures.
- Comply with relevant Springer Nature policies, COPE guidelines and industry best practices.
- Identify legal and reputational risk and liaise with internal legal and communications teams to mitigate these risks.
- Manage a high-volume workload of concurrent cases to meet targets and Key Performance Indicators.
- Be resilient and able to reprioritize as urgent issues arise.
- Keep meticulous records of cases up to date and contribute to reporting.
- Contribute to training and mentoring, training materials, policy development, workflow improvements, presentations, workshops and projects.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the evolving publication ethics landscape, identifying new types of issues, and proactively addressing emergent needs.
Requirements
- Proven track record as a high-performing Research Integrity Adviser (or equivalent role).
- Educated to graduate level in STEM or HSS, PhD and postdoc experience desirable.
- Knowledge/experience of the academic publishing industry, and scholarly publication processes, systems and tools.
- Familiarity with publication ethics and research integrity issues, and a passion for quality control.
- Strong background in statistical analysis, preferably including familiarity with GRIM and SPRITE.
- Familiarity with image integrity software (Proofig, ImageTwin or similar) and image manipulation software (Adobe Photoshop or similar).
- Familiarity with plagiarism software (CrossCheck/iThenticate).
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders of any background, seniority or level of experience.
- A high level of computer literacy including knowledge of and experience with Office applications and Google Workspace.
- Excellent organizational, prioritization, analytical and time-management skills, with superior attention to detail.
- Positive and proactive approach to problem-solving and task management.
- Strong communication (written and oral) and English language skills.
- Ability to work well under pressure.
- Ability to travel.
- Familiarity with copyright law.
Skills
- Data integrity
- Image integrity
- Statistical analysis
- GRIM
- SPRITE
- Proofig
- ImageTwin
- Adobe Photoshop
- CrossCheck/iThenticate
- Office applications
- Google Workspace
- Organizational skills
- Prioritization skills
- Analytical skills
- Time-management skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Task management
- Communication skills
- English language skills
- Copyright law
Location
- Heidelberg
- London
Work Type
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- Graduate level in STEM or HSS
- PhD and postdoc experience desirable
Education Level
- Graduate level in STEM or HSS
- PhD desirable
- Postdoc experience desirable
About the Company
- Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world, publishing the largest number of journals and books and pioneering open research.
- Through trusted brands for over 180 years, they provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services to researchers, health professionals, and educators.
- Their mission is to be part of progress, working together with communities to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world.
- They recognize that talent is developed through a range of career paths and encourage applications from individuals with strong transferable skills supported by relevant experience.
- Their hiring approach balances skills, experience, and potential for short-term effectiveness and long-term growth.
- They are an ambitious and dynamic organization, home to some of the best-known names in research, educational and professional publishing.
- Working at the heart of a changing industry, they look for great people who care about delivering quality.
- They offer opportunities to learn from the best in the business, with a culture that encourages curiosity and empowers people.
- They are a global and progressive business, founded on a heritage of trusted and respected brands including Springer (1842), Macmillan (1843) and Nature (1869).
- Research and learning continue to be the cornerstone of progress, and they will continue to open doors to discovery through trusted brands and innovative products and services.
- Springer Nature Group was created in May 2015 through the combination of Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Education and Springer Science+Business Media.
Equal Opportunity
- At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas.
- We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish.
- If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.
- Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion
