Research Integrity Specialist

Springer Nature

Research Integrity Specialist ensuring data and image integrity issues resolution for editorial teams at Springer Nature. Investigating concerns and providing analytical advice to maintain publication integrity.

Posted 7/9/2026full-timeHeidelberg • 🇩🇪 GermanyMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

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

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible work arrangements

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Statistical AnalysisPublication EthicsResearch IntegrityAnalytical SkillsAttention to Detail

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsProblem-SolvingOrganizational SkillsTime ManagementResilience