The Health Effects Institute is a nonprofit organization
that funds and publishes epidemiologic, toxicologic, and other research
on the effects of air pollution on health; it is widely accepted
as a source of impartial, relevant, and high-quality scientific information
for decision makers in government and elsewhere. HEI’s core
funds come primarily from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and the worldwide motor vehicle industry. It also receives funds
from governments, other industries, and foundations for projects
in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. HEI currently
is funding a wide range of research at universities and research
centers in many countries. HEI’s scientific reports, literature
reviews, and other documents are published both in print and on the
Web.
NEW!
Editorial Assistant for Publications
Department
DESCRIPTION
The editorial assistant provides general administrative and editorial
support to both in-house and consulting members of the Publications
staff, who prepare lengthy and complex scientific reports and other
documents for release on the Web and in print. He or she reports
to the Director of Publications.
Job responsibilities include
• Providing support for the editorial and production group, both
in- house staff and outside consultants, assisting with tasks and problems
as they arise
• Monitoring the status of multiple projects, tracking and documenting
the completion of tasks, and maintaining and adjusting schedules for
up to 25 individual reports
• Coordinating work with outside proofreaders, editors, desktop
publishing personnel, and others; gathering, preparing, and sending
manuscripts and other materials
• Increasing proficiency to expert level in Microsoft Word, Excel,
and Outlook 2007, especially macros, fonts, and styles; providing assistance
to in-house staff and outside consultants on the use of Word, Outlook,
and Excel; answering questions and solving problems as needed
• Tracking, documenting, and updating publications procedures,
house style, and materials for common use; devising spreadsheets and
tracking forms when needed
• Becoming expert in HEI citation style and verifying references
online for some projects
• Proofreading, especially items for immediate turnaround
• Checking files received from authors for consistency between
electronic and print versions; communicating with authors and others
to solve problems
• Reviewing galleys and page proofs for house style per checklists;
proofing corrections in text, figures, and tables as needed
• Serving as primary contact with printer
• Scheduling meetings, photocopying, ordering supplies, and preparing
packages for shipping
• Helping to maintain photo archives
• Maintaining in-house inventory and sending extra stock off site
for storage
• Archiving documents related to published reports
REQUIREMENTS
This position requires a well-organized, motivated person able to
multitask and prioritize work. The job entails both sustained attention
to complex tasks and immediate responsiveness to others as the need
arises. The ability to develop strong relationships with the members
of the in-house and consulting Publications staff, with staff scientists
and others within HEI, and with outside vendors and contractors is
essential. The editorial assistant will be expected to learn the
procedures of the Publications Department and gradually assume increasing
responsibility.
A bachelor’s degree and two to four years of experience in
a publishing environment are required, as is a high level of proficiency
with Microsoft Office 2007 (especially Word, including macros,
fonts, and styles). Facility with databases such as Excel and Access,
experience with copyediting and/or proofreading, and some familiarity
with medical and scientific terminology are desirable.
This is a full-time, in-house position at HEI's office in Boston,
Mass. Salary is commensurate with experience. HEI offers a competitive
benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer.
Please submit a letter, resume, and references no later than July
26, 2010 to Barbara Gale, Director of Publications — at bgale@healtheffects.org — with “Editorial
Assistant” in the subject line.