Editor-in-Chief for Freshwater Science
The Society for Freshwater Science, in partnership with the non-profit publisher University of Chicago Press (UCP), is seeking applications for the position of Editor-in-Chief (EiC) for the Society’s journal Freshwater Science. The EiC’s appointment will be a three-year, renewable term (June 2024 through May 2027). Optimally, the new EiC would begin to handle submissions on April 15, 2024, and work with the outgoing editor until assuming full responsibility for the Journal on June 1, 2024.
First published in 1982 as Freshwater Invertebrate Biology, then for many years as Journal of the North American Benthological Society, Freshwater Science (Current Impact Factor = 2.35) publishes articles that advance understanding and environmental stewardship of all types of inland aquatic ecosystems, and ecosystems at the interface between aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
The Vision
The Society recently updated our vision for Freshwater Science, and we are seeking an EiC excited to implement our vision of a clear, forward-looking, and inclusive publication model that reflects the disciplinary diversity of freshwater scientists. The EiC will be supported in the Journal revitalization efforts by the Publications Committee (Amy Burgin [chair], Bob Hall, Ryan Sponseller, Deb Finn, Allison Roy) and Journal Advisory Board (Steve Thomas, Emma Rosi, Ashley Helton). The successful candidate will embrace the mission of a Society-focused journal that serves the Society and values working with a non-profit publisher. This is an exciting opportunity for the EiC to chart a new course for Freshwater Science using a broad, open-minded, and creative approach to freshwater science and scientific publication with support from active and engaged Society members.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The EiC of Freshwater Science is the chief architect of the content of the Journal. Principal duties associated with publishing four issues of the Journal per year include:
- Remaining knowledgeable regarding the changing academic publishing landscape and at the forefront of strategies for leading a Society-focused journal.
- Engaging in efforts to implement the Society’s vision for Freshwater Science to keep the journal connected to the Society and reflective of the Society’s values.
- Interacting with the Journal’s publisher (UCP) to deliver publication-ready content that conforms to the Society’s style and standards.
- Recruiting and appointing Associate Editors, with the input from the Publications Committee on the process and balance of the overall Editorial Board.
- Recruiting special sessions and focused topic-area issues, particularly for compelling organized sessions at the SFS Annual Meeting.
- Preparing the agenda and managing the annual Editorial Board meeting and delivering an annual report on the Journal at the Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting.
- Maintaining the Journal’s operations, including responding to any inquiries about publishing, managing editorial assignments, guiding authors on manuscript revisions, supervising staff, and maintaining several databases relevant to Journal operations.
The EiC works with UCP and associated editorial office staff, but reports to the Board of Directors of the Society through its Publications Committee. We are open to alternative organizational structures, including team approaches, to distribute the work of the editorial office. An Honorarium equivalent to approximately 1.5-2 months of summer salary (approx. $20,000) is available for this position or its component tasks, if a team approach is proposed.
Required Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in a relevant freshwater science discipline
- An extensive research publication record
- Knowledge of and appreciation for the breadth and depth of freshwater science
- Prior editorial experience (e.g., as a member of the Editorial Board at FWS or other journals)
- Prior management or leadership experience
- Outstanding communication skills, including writing, speaking, and listening
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse points of view and approaches
- Ethical and robust personal and scientific standards
Application Process
Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and names/contact information for three professional references. The cover letter should discuss the applicant’s vision for the journal, their qualifications and experiences relevant to the position of EiC, and priorities for creating streamlined journal operations. Only full applications will be considered; however, the search committee welcomes inquiries and nominations for possible candidates. Applications, inquiries, and nominations should be sent via email to Amy Burgin (burginam@ku.edu), Search Committee Chair, no later than March 25, 2024. Interested applicants are welcome to reach out to any members of the SFS Publications Committee (Amy Burgin, Bob Hall, Ryan Sponseller, Deb Finn or Allison Roy) to make inquiries about the position.
Timeline
Applications are due no later than 25 March, 2024. Interviews will be conducted the week of 1 April with the goal of appointing the new EiC by 15 April 2024 to allow a 6-week crossover training period with current Interim EiC Todd Royer. We will announce the new EiC ahead of the 2024 SFS Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, and expect the new EiC to be in attendance to meet the Editorial Board and Society members at the Annual Meeting.