Community Manager, the Node

Community Manager

Based in Cambridge, UK

The Company of Biologists and its journal Development are seeking to appoint a new Community Manager to run its successful community website ‘the Node’ and the journal’s social media activities.

Launched in 2010, the Node is the place for the developmental biology community to share news, discuss issues relevant to the field and read about the latest research and events. We are now looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person with fresh ideas to maintain and develop the site.

Core responsibilities of the position include:

• creating and commissioning content, including writing posts, soliciting content from the academic community, societies and other organisations, and providing editorial support for authors
• providing user support and ensuring site functionality on a day-to-day basis
• steering the development of the site from both a creative and practical perspective
• working closely with the community managers of preLights and FocalPlane on joint initiatives and to provide cover and support
• maintaining and developing Development’s and the Node’s presence on social networking sites
• contributing non-peer-reviewed content to the journal, such as research highlights and interviews
• representing Development and the Node at international conferences.

Is this the role for you? You will have:

• research experience in a relevant scientific field, ideally a PhD in developmental or stem cell biology
• a PhD in developmental or stem cell biology (consideration may be given to exceptional candidates without a PhD who have equivalent relevant scientific experience)
• demonstrated ability to write for an online audience and/or produce social media content
• clear understanding of the online environment as it applies to the scientific community
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• strong networking abilities online and in person

Experience with WordPress and/or additional media (such as video or podcasting) would also be a plus.

This multifaceted position is an exciting opportunity for you to develop an already successful and well-known site, engaging with the academic, publishing and online communities. The Community Manager will work alongside an experienced in-house team and external IT partners, as well as with the journal’s international team of academic editors. Additional responsibilities may be provided for the right candidate, including contributions to wider Company projects. This is a permanent, full-time position, and is based in The Company of Biologists’ attractive modern offices on the outskirts of Cambridge, UK, with the possibility of up to 50% remote working.

The Company of Biologists is a not-for-profit publishing organisation dedicated to supporting and inspiring the biological community. The Company publishes five specialist peer-reviewed journals: Development, Journal of Cell Science, Journal of Experimental Biology, Disease Models & Mechanisms and Biology Open. We take great pride in the experience of our editorial team and the quality of the work we publish. We believe that the profits from publishing the hard work of biologists should support scientific discovery and help develop future scientists. Our community sites provide researchers with opportunities for networking and the sharing of research and related information. Our grants help support societies, meetings and individuals. Our workshops and meetings give the opportunity to network and collaborate. As the Company celebrates its 100th birthday in 2025, this is an exciting time to join us as we plan for our future. The Company of Biologists is proud of its inclusive culture and we believe that everyone has a contribution to make. We want all our employees to feel included, valued and appreciated. We believe in equality of opportunity for all staff and encourage applications from all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status and citizenship.

To apply, please email [email protected] with your CV along with a covering letter that summarises your relevant experience (including, if possible, links to online activities and/or samples of science writing), why you are enthusiastic about this opportunity, and your current salary level. For any informal enquiries, please contact [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 5 September 2025, but we will consider applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply as soon as possible.