ICLQ Assistant Editor Full Time

Hours: 17.5 hours (0.5fte)

Contract: 1-year fixed term (with potential for renewal)

Reporting to: ICLQ Managing Editor 

Introduction

The British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) is the foremost independent legal research and discussion body in the United Kingdom in its field, and one of the leading such bodies in the world, and the ICLQ has been its flagship publication since 1952. The Journal, renowned for its coverage of topics in public international law, private international law, comparative law, European law, and human rights, is published by Cambridge University Press.

We are seeking to appoint a strong candidate to join our editorial team and play a central role in the day-to-day running of the International and Comparative Law Quarterly (ICLQ). This position combines meticulous copyediting and proofreading with the management of submissions and peer review via ScholarOne, alongside providing support to the Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief. The role involves close collaboration with authors, reviewers, the Editorial Board, and Cambridge University Press, as well as coordinating editorial processes and meetings, handling copyright and Open Access queries, contributing to key events such as the ICLQ Annual Lecture and Publishing Workshop, and supporting the Journal’s profile through social media.

The Role

The Assistant Editor is a central member of the editorial team, responsible for the day-to-day running of the ICLQ, with copyediting and proofreading forming a significant part of the role. Duties include: 

• Managing and monitoring submissions and peer review procedures via the online submission platform, ScholarOne;
• Copy-editing articles, ensuring adherence to the Style Guide as well as editing for clarity and content
• Providing administrative support to the Managing Editor and Editor in Chief;
• Proofreading and checking author corrections;
• Responding to copyright and Open Access queries;
• Facilitating the quarterly ICLQ Editorial Board meetings;
• Collaborating closely with the Editor in Chief, the Editorial Board and the Book Review editor and with contacts at Cambridge University Press;
• Ensuring courteous and efficient correspondence with authors and reviewers;
• Contributing to the organisation of two annual events: the ICLQ Annual Lecture and the ICLQ Publishing Workshop;
• Generating social media content to promote the Journal and monitoring accounts.

Person Specification

Essential:

• A degree or equivalent experience;
• Exemplary proficiency in written English, including spelling, grammar and clarity;
• Editorial experience, including editing and proofreading academic texts;
• Outstanding administrative and organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail;
• Proven ability to manage workload and prioritise tasks effectively;
• Strong communication skills, encompassing diplomacy, sensitivity and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and succinctly;
• Proficiency in MS 365 and Office programmes, particularly MS Word, Adobe, video conferencing software such as Zoom, as well as familiarity with social media platforms (BlueSky and LinkedIn);
• A collaborative and collegial work ethic.

Desirable:

• Strong background in international law;
• Copy-editing experience;
• Familiarity with the ScholarOne platform;
• An interest in and commitment to academic publishing. 

There is potential to extend the contract for the right candidate.

This role is based at our London office on a hybrid basis, with staff typically spending some time on site each week. The specific arrangement will be discussed and agreed as part of the appointment process.

How to apply

Interviews are expected mid- to late May 2026.

To apply, please click the ‘Apply‘ button above where you will be redirected to the BIICL website.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Anna Riddell-Roberts, ICLQ Managing Editor, a.riddell@biicl.org.