CERN Position: Production Manager for Open Research Europe (RCS-SIS-OS-2025-274-LD)

Location: Geneva, ch

Company Description:

At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world”s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Job Description:

Introduction

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager with a strong background in scholarly publishing to work on the Open Research Europe (ORE) platform, soon to be hosted at CERN. As part of a growing team, you will be responsible for managing the entire article production workflow, from pre-publication checks through final publication. You will coordinate with external vendors, work closely with the Editorial Coordinator, and ensure the delivery of high-quality publications that meet the platform”s standards.

Functions

Vendor Coordination & Management

• Onboard and serve as key contact for outsourced production vendors (copyediting, typesetting, etc.).
• Define workflows, deliverables, and quality standards with them.
• Track production timelines and ensure deadlines are met.
• Troubleshoot production issues and coordinate solutions with vendors.
• Evaluate and provide feedback on deliverables.

Production Workflow Management

• Oversee full production workflow from pre-publication to final version.
• Collaborate with Editorial Coordinator to ensure smooth editorial-to-production transition.
• Coordinate article processing schedules to ensure timely publication.
• Manage article schedules, manuscript tracking (OJS), and author communications.
• Maintain documentation, identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements.

Qualifications:

Master”s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Publishing or a related field.

Background in scientific or technical fields is an advantage.

Experience:

• Proven experience in scholarly publishing, with a focus on production, copyediting, or editorial operations.
• Proven experience in diamond open access publishing or other OA publishing models.
• Hands-on experience with Open Journal Systems (OJS) platform, including workflow configuration and management.
• Proven track record of managing vendor relationships in a publishing context.
• Experience coordinating production workflows from manuscript acceptance to publication.
• Experience with Publish-Review-Curate (PRC) models is an advantage.

Technical competencies:

• Publishing;
• Quality management;
• Contract management;
• Configuration and use of information management systems;
• Process analysis, definition and improvement;

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Achieving Results: being rigorous and producing quality results at first attempt.
• Solving Problems: assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Additional Information:

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN”s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 16.01.2026 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Hybrid

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: RCS-SIS-OS-2025-274-LD

Field of work: Support Services (Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement)

Benchmark Job Title: Scientific Information Professional

Global Benefits

• A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Overview of CERN – Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

More information about us, here: careers.cern

Level of Education: Master Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 24