Research Integrity Specialist

Role: Research Integrity Specialist 

Location: Heidelberg or London 

Closing date: Wednesday 22nd of July 2026

About Springer Nature  

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are pioneers in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature.  

At Springer Nature, we recognise that talent is developed through a range of career paths. We encourage applications from individuals with strong transferable skills, provided they are supported by relevant experience that shows how those skills have been successfully applied in practice. Our hiring approach balances skills, experience, and potential to ensure each role is fulfilled with both short term effectiveness and long-term growth in mind.   

About the Role  

As Research Integrity Specialist you are an expert in investigating and resolving data and image integrity issues. You serve as the inhouse escalation point for research integrity advisers and other colleagues outside of the integrity team. As such you have a central place in the team and are expected to share your expertise widely. You’re part of the growing Resolutions team in the Research Integrity Group.  You value the reliability of the published record and are keen join a team of like-minded problem solvers. You will work to ensure that that cases are investigated and managed in line with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). 

This is a hybrid role based in Heidelberg or London. These locations support effective collaboration with the team and aligns with business needs.

Role Responsibilities 

• Run investigations where specific concerns are raised regarding images, data, data analysis, and the derived results and conclusions, and validate concerns using a range of tools and techniques 

• Use scientific comprehension to provide analysis and advice for in-house editorial teams to determine whether manuscripts still under consideration are suitable for publication, and post-publication to recommend a course of action such as correction, expression of concern or retraction through decision quality 

• Communicate effectively to understand and express complex ethics concepts, and clearly and concisely explain cases, both in writing and via video call, to internal and external stakeholders, such as Publishing Editors, Editors-in-Chief, Editorial Directors, Society stakeholders and Authors 

• Serve as an escalation point for Research Integrity Advisers within the Resolutions team for complicated cases requiring expertise regarding image or data integrity 

• Process multiple “Large cases” (involving multiple, related articles) concurrently, working as a project lead and collaborating with the Support team and Associate Research Integrity Advisers. Use your knowledge of the case to streamline processes to drive them to resolution following Standard Operating Procedures 

• Comply with relevant Springer Nature policies, COPE guidelines and industry best practices. Identify legal and reputational risk and liaise with internal legal and communications teams to mitigate these risks 

• Manage a high-volume workload of concurrent cases to meet targets and Key Performance Indicators. Be resilient and able to reprioritise as urgent issues arise. Keep meticulous records of cases up to date and contribute to reporting 

• Contribute to training and mentoring, training materials, policy development, workflow improvements, presentations, workshops and projects, by maintaining a strong understanding of the evolving publication ethics landscape identifying new types of issues, and be action oriented by proactively addressing emergent needs 

Skills, Experience & Qualifications:  

• Proven track record as a high-performing Research Integrity Adviser (or equivalent role)  

• 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  

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion    

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/ 

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