eLife Editor-in-Chief

eLife is seeking a new Editor-in-Chief to lead our efforts to improve the communication of new research findings across the life and biomedical sciences.
eLife jobs

Closing date for applications is October 28, 2018.

eLife, the non-profit organisation launched and supported by research funders to improve science publishing, is looking for an Editor-in-Chief. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Editor-in-Chief is the public champion and leader of eLife, responsible for eLife’s goals as an open-access publisher of excellent science, a developer of new tools and technology, and a voice for change. The successful candidate will have a strong reputation among life and biomedical scientists – as a researcher, collaborator, and mentor – as well as experience in journal publishing and a commitment to improving it. This is a rare and important opportunity to contribute to the evolution of how research is communicated and evaluated, and to serve as a progressive force in scientific publishing.

Experience and attributes

  • Highly regarded figure in the life and biomedical sciences, with a strong track record of research accomplishment
  • Demonstrable commitment to improving research communication
  • A reputation as a generous and respectful collaborator
  • Extensive editorial experience in journal publishing
  • A supportive mentor who has consistently helped early-career scientists in their development
  • Experience of community leadership and service (chairing committees, participation in panels, staff management)
  • Outstanding skills as a communicator and negotiator

Specific responsibilities

  • Ensuring that eLife publishes papers of the highest scientific standards and quality across the life and biomedical sciences
  • Representing eLife and advocating for our mission and ambitions, including increased access to research, reforming research evaluation, and the use of new technology in research communication
  • Having final say on major editorial or policy issues (e.g. journal scope, experimentation, publishing ethics)
  • Supporting and contributing to eLife’s efforts to extend the understanding of the new research (e.g. eLife’s Digests and related content)
  • Supporting the active engagement of early-career researchers in eLife’s work

Terms and conditions

The Editor-in-Chief is a paid, part-time position with an expected commitment of at least 10 hours per week*. As the majority of the work is done online, the Editor-in-Chief may be located anywhere in the world.

We invite applications from individuals who are enthusiastic to take on this unique role.

Applications should include a letter indicating how the applicant meets the attributes and experience required for the role, a CV, a competing interests statement, and a 1,000-word description of the applicant’s vision for expanding eLife’s influence and reach over the next 2-3 years. Applications should be sent to EIC@elifesciences.org by October 28th**.

Applications will be reviewed by a search committee, which will create a short list. The candidates on the shortlist will be interviewed by an EIC Appointment Subcommittee of the eLife Board of Directors. Additional details are available in the announcement.

* Updated October 13, 2018.

**Deadline extended.