Background

The Cambridge Philosophical Society (CPS) was founded in 1819 as a private society to promote scientific enquiry. The title of the Society refers to ‘philosophy’ in its older meaning of ‘natural philosophy’ as a broad term that included what we know today as sciences. The remit of the Society is to promote research in all branches of science and to encourage the communication of the results of scientific research.

The Society holds extensive archive materials, which include its publications since 1819, Society records, scientific books and personal papers. It continues its work as an independent, self-supporting, charitable and learned society through the publication of two world-leading scientific journals Biological Reviews and Mathematical Proceedings, an annual programme of public lectures and events and by supporting postgraduate students and early career researchers through grants, studentships and fellowships. A charity of global significance, the Society is proud of its strong and historically intrinsic links with the University of Cambridge.

Biological Reviews, regularly published by the Society since 1923, covers the entire range of the biological sciences, presenting several review articles per issue. Although scholarly and with extensive bibliographies, the articles are aimed at non-specialist biologists as well as researchers in the field.

The role

The role sits with the Biological Reviews journal and would suit a candidate with an aptitude for interpreting scientific data and meticulous attention to detail to identify inconsistencies in written work. It involves checking and clarifying data accepted for publication and copy-editing articles according to the in-house journal style, maintaining the high standards of the publication. With time and experience, the role may evolve to encompass substantial editing and development editing.

The CPS Biological Secretary and the journal’s Editor(s)-in-Chief may also from time to time agree with the role-holder other duties consistent with the scope of the role.

Person specification

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in Biological Sciences and ideally, post-doctoral experience in a relevant field. With a high level of computer literacy and excellent written English, they should have consistent attention to detail and strong time management skills. The successful applicant will be a quick learner with a positive and friendly manner, comfortable working both independently and under the guidance of a senior colleague.

While we welcome applications from candidates at various stages of their career, experience of copy-editing and proofreading scientific papers would be an advantage.

Terms of engagement

This role is envisaged as a freelance engagement in the first instance. Training in copy-editing and journal style will be provided where necessary and there may be opportunities for further career development. The hourly rate will be between £20 and £40 depending on experience and training required.

Applicants are encouraged to state in their applications how many hours per week they would be available for the work, when they would be able to start if their application was successful and what their pay expectations are.

How to apply

Candidates are invited to submit their CV, a cover letter (stating why they believe they are suitable for this role along with relevant examples) and contact details of 2 referees to breditor@group.cam.ac.uk by the closing date of 30 April 2026. The Society reserves the right to bring forward the closing date should sufficient suitable applications be received, or to extend the closing date if necessary.