Research Integrity Specialist

Job Title: Research Integrity Specialist

Location(s): London or Dordrecht - Hybrid Working Model

Closing date: 8th February 2025

The role:

Working closely with the Head of Performance, the Research Integrity Specialist will be involved in complicated cases that need a specialized image integrity or data integrity check for post publication review.

You will investigate and process large research integrity cases, determining the appropriate course of action and instructing the Research Integrity Support Team to ensure that these are driven towards resolution following Standard Operating Procedures and meeting Key Performance Indicators.

Responsibilities

• Run post publication data integrity checks for cases where specific concerns were raised about data, data analysis and the derived results and conclusions. Applying statistical analysis and error detection techniques, and recommending an appropriate course of editorial action. 

• Serve as an inhouse escalation point for (senior) advisers for complicated cases that need a specialized image integrity or data integrity check for post publication review. Investigate and process large research integrity cases, determining the appropriate course of action and instruct the Research Integrity Support Team to ensure that these are driven towards resolution following Standard Operating Procedures and meeting Key Performance Indicators, in cooperation with the Head of Performance. 

• Responsible for image integrity checks on individual cases, both proactively and reactively, and share expertise and feedback with other stakeholders in order to contribute to both case resolution and improved prevention measures.

• Ensure that your work and advice complies with relevant Springer Nature policies, COPE guidelines and industry best-practice.

• Liaise with internal (legal, comms, production) and external stakeholders (societies,Editors-in-Chief) for specific cases

• Identifying legal and reputational risk and taking appropriate steps to mitigate these risks.

• Understand and express complex ethics concepts and cases in a clear and concise manner; in writing, in person and via phone/video call, to inhouse editors and external Editor-in-Chiefs.

• Provide best-practice advice and action plans for resolution of cases to in-house staff and external editors.

• Keep case files, project plans and statistics meticulously organized and up-to-date, and contribute to reporting;

• Manage your workload to meet targets, rapidly reprioritising as urgent issues arise;

• Maintain a strong understanding of the evolving publication ethics landscape, identifying new types of issues, and contributing to policy development to address emergent needs, contribute to continuously improving workflows in the Resolutions Team and the Research Integrity Support Team.

• Represent SNRIG and promote its work, both internally and externally (e.g. writing blog posts, attending industry events and editorial board meetings);

• Proactively contribute to meetings and commit to completing actions assigned to you;

• Drive your professional development by seeking out training opportunities; 

Experience, skills and qualifications

• Proven track record as a high-performing Research Integrity Adviser (or equivalent role), usually for a period of at least 2 years

• 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

Applicants should send:

• A cover letter that conveys their interest and motivation for the role and indicates salary expectations,

• A CV (which should include a brief account of the applicant’s research accomplishments and of other relevant experience)

Candidates will be considered on an on-going basis. Early applications are encouraged.

Note for candidates in the Netherlands: As per our local policy, please be aware that this role will be open only for internal candidates within the first 2 weeks. Afterwards, external applications will be progressed.

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