Chief Editor for AoB PLANTS : World-Wide : Commencing early 2018 (application deadline - January 14, 2018)
The following details can also be viewed at http://go.nature.com/2lpqqvF The Annals of Botany Company is seeking a new Chief Editor to lead AoB PLANTS, an online, open-access journal owned by the Company and published by Oxford University Press. Established in 2009, the journal publishes peer-reviewed articles on all aspects of environmental and evolutionary plant biology. It is a sister publication to the traditional journal Annals of Botany and to the blog Botany One. AoB PLANTS has distinguished Advisory and Editorial Boards, employs rigorous double-blind peer evaluation of submitted manuscripts and renders first decisions in 30 to 35 days. The journal is indexed widely (including Web of Science) and its Impact Factor for 2016 was 2.238. Journal Citation Reports currently ranks AoB PLANTS at 63/211 among journals in the Plant Sciences and in 2017 the journal will also be ranked in the category of Ecology. From January 2018, Article Processing Charges for AoB PLANTS will be levied at the subsidized rate of $1350 per paper. Responsibilities. The Chief Editor of AoB PLANTS is charged with full editorial oversight of the journal. The Chief Editor will: 1. Sustain a high-quality, open-access scientific journal for the timely reporting of plant-focused research; 2. Implement the editorial and financial policies of the journal as determined by the owner of the journal, The Annals of Botany Company; 3. Support and strengthen the Board of Associate Editors for the journal, who arrange for the review of papers assigned to them by the Chief Editor and who subsequently recommend decisions on publication; 4. Oversee the processing of submitted manuscripts using a web-based manuscript-submission system (currently eJournal Press); 5. Deliver decisions on submitted manuscripts with speed and clarity; 6. Maintain and improve the scientific quality of the journal and the number of submissions; 7. Develop, support and supervise the work of the Managing and Deputy Managing Editors in handling the day-to-day operations of the journal; 8. Work with the Associate Editors to solicit and encourage special issues, review articles, and mini-reviews on subjects of topical interest; 9. Represent and promote the journal at external events and conferences; 10. Communicate regularly, and meet occasionally, with the owners and the publisher of the journal, and with the Chief Editors of Annals of Botany and Botany One; and 11. Report formally on the activities of the journal to the Annual General Meetings and Winter Meetings of The Annals of Botany Company, which take place in Oxford and London respectively. General terms. The Chief Editor will be a plant scientist of high international standing who also has proven editorial experience. He/she may be located anywhere in the world, as the journal’s operations are conducted entirely electronically. Further details are: 1. The position of Chief Editor is part-time and it is expected that the successful candidate will already have an appointment at a university or research institution. The time to be devoted to the journal is nominally one day per week, or equivalent. 2. The terms of remuneration are flexible and may involve personal payment, institutional payment, a salary buy-out, or a grant aided post at the home institution of the editor. 3. Combinations of two or more remuneration arrangements may also be negotiated. 4. Necessary travel expenses, and agreed capital/recurring office expenses, may also be negotiated. 5. The initial term of the post is five years. This term can be extended by mutual agreement between the Chief Editor and the Company. 6. A part-time Managing Editor (to succeed the current Managing Editor who will retire shortly) will be appointed to assist the Chief Editor in the day-to-day running of the journal; the Chief Editor may participate fully in the recruitment of this post. The Managing Editor will be located within the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Oxford. 7. A part-time Deputy Managing Editor currently assists the Chief Editor and forms a point of contact with the publisher. 8. The retiring Chief Editor and Managing Editor will be available for advice as required over a mutually agreed transitional period. Application details. Informal pre-application inquiries are welcomed. A complete application will include: 1. A cover letter detailing your academic background, editorial experience and vision for the journal. In the letter, you should address - The reasons for your interest in the post of Chief Editor; - The principal qualities and experience you would bring to this position; - How you would manage the duties of Chief Editor in the context of other demands on your time and how you would conduct the business of the journal on a day-to-day basis; - Your view of the future development of AoB PLANTS in the context of the highly competitive world of journal publishing. 2. A detailed curriculum vitae. 3. The names and contact information for three scientists who have agreed to serve as referees for your application. Please compile the application as a single PDF document and email it to the Secretary and Treasurer of the Annals of Botany Company, Prof. Roderick Hunt: [email protected] to arrive no later than 14 January 2018. 1. All applications will be acknowledged by email. 2. The Company will short-list candidates late January / early February 2018 and all candidates will be notified. 3. Interviews will be conducted in Oxford, UK during late February 2018. Please indicate any periods of non-availability in your covering letter. Travel and accommodation expenses will be paid. 4. It is expected that a final decision will be reached by 28 February 2018. Sources of further information AoB PLANTS (https://academic.oup.com/aobpla) Annals of Botany (https://academic.oup.com/aob) Botany One (https://www.botany.one) Oxford University Press (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/science_and_mathematics) Annals of Botany Company (http://annalsofbotanycompany.co.uk)
