Editor-in-Chief
eLife is seeking a new Editor-in-Chief to lead its efforts to improve the way that new research findings are peer-reviewed and communicated across the life sciences and medicine.
About Us
eLife is an independent non-profit committed to improving the review and communication of research. To learn more about us and the steps we're taking to create a future where a diverse, global community of scientists and researchers shares open and trusted results for the benefit of all, explore our website.
About the role
The Editor-in-Chief of eLife is responsible for all editorial matters at the journal (including the appointment and review of Deputy, Senior, and Reviewing Editors, decisions on research papers, the scope of the journal, and editorial policy).
The successful candidate will have a strong reputation among life and medical scientists – as a researcher, collaborator, and mentor – as well as experience in journal publishing and a commitment to improving it.
In administrative matters the Editor-in-Chief reports to the Executive Director of eLife and participates in meetings of the eLife Board of Directors.
What We Provide
The opportunity to contribute to the evolution of how research is communicated and evaluated and to serve as a progressive force in scientific publishing.
A role as the public face of the journal within the research community, representing eLife and advocating for our ambitions as an open-access publisher of excellent science and a voice for change.
A mission-driven team that is passionate about the work they do and the impact they have on scholarly communication.
Competitive pay and flexibility to work remotely.
What You Will Do
Work closely with the eLife Board of Directors and the eLife Executive Team to establish a long-term strategy for the journal that supports eLife’s mission to improve the way research is reviewed and communicated.
Ensure that the journal maintains the highest editorial standards, with policies and procedures in place to ensure that all editorial decisions are fair and timely, and that the journal follows best practice with respect to open science practices, publishing ethics and research integrity.
Recruit and manage the performance of the Deputy Editors. Typically there will be between two and five Deputy Editors, and the Editor-in-Chief will be expected to formally review their performance every six months.
Oversee (with the Deputy Editors and the Executive Editor) the recruitment of Senior Editors and Reviewing Editors, and review their performance on a regular basis. Priorities include: having sufficient Editors in all the subject areas covered by the journal; increasing the diversity of the journal’s editors; and recruiting early-career researchers as Reviewing Editors.
Work with and galvanise the Editors to encourage researchers to submit their best work to the journal.
Represent eLife to the wider scientific community and advocate for our mission to improve the way research is reviewed and communicated.
The Editor-in-Chief works closely with the Head of Publishing, the Executive Editor, and other members of the Publishing Team.
What You Bring
A strong track record of research accomplishment in the life sciences and medicine.
Extensive editorial experience in journal publishing and a commitment to improving research communication.
Outstanding skills as a leader and communicator.
A track record as a respectful and thoughtful collaborator and supporter of early-career researchers.
Terms and Conditions
The Editor-in-Chief is a paid, part-time position with an expected commitment of at least 10 hours per week. It is expected that the post will commence in January 2025. As the majority of the work is done online, the Editor-in-Chief may be located anywhere in the world. We invite applications from qualified and enthusiastic individuals to take on this unique role. Applications should include a letter indicating how the applicant is qualified for the role, a CV, and a competing interests statement. Please send applications to [email protected]. If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Damian Pattinson, Executive Director at [email protected].
The closing date for applications is August 30, 2024 (5pm BST). Interviews will be arranged remotely via GoogleMeet or Zoom video-call.
