Research Integrity Specialist

• Role
• Research Integrity Specialist
• Location
• Heidelberg or London
• Closing Date
• Wednesday 22nd of July 2026

About the Role

As Research Integrity Specialist you are an expert in investigating and resolving data and image integrity issues.

You serve as the in‑house escalation point for research integrity advisers and other colleagues outside of the integrity team.

You are part of the growing Resolutions team in the Research Integrity Group and work to ensure 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.

Responsibilities

• Run investigations where specific concerns are raised regarding images, data, data analysis and 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 under consideration are suitable for publication, and after publication recommend a course of action such as correction, expression of concern or retraction.
• 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 and 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 and proactively addressing emergent needs.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Proven track record as a high‑performing research integrity adviser (or equivalent role).
• Educated to graduate level in STEM or HSS; Ph D and post‑doc experience desirable.
• Knowledge and experience of the academic publishing industry, and scholarly publication processes, systems and tools.
• Familiarity with publication ethics and research integrity issues, and passion for quality control.
• Strong background in statistical analysis, preferably including familiarity with GRIM and SPRITE.
• Familiarity with image integrity software (Proofig, Image Twin or similar) and image‑manipulation software (Adobe Photoshop or similar).
• Familiarity with plagiarism software (Cross Check/i Thenticate).
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders of any background, seniority or level of experience.
• High level of computer literacy, including knowledge of and experience with Office applications and Google Workspace.
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation, analytical and time‑management skills, with superior attention to detail.
• Positive and proactive approach to problem‑solving and task management.
• Strong written, oral and English language communication skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to travel.
• Familiarity with copyright law.
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: people, perspectives and ideas.

We believe 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

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