A new Editor-in-Chief for Biology Open

The Company of Biologists is seeking to appoint a new Editor-in-Chief (EiC) for Biology Open (BiO).

This search will be led by members of The Company of Biologists' Board of Directors: Julian Burke, Jane Langdale, Laura Machesky and Steve Royle.

Launched in 2012 by The Company of Biologists, BiO is an Open Access journal that publishes peer-reviewed high-quality research across all aspects of the biological and biomedical sciences. During 2022, BiO published 130 articles.

The successful candidate will have the following experience and attributes:

• Credibility in the biological and/or biomedical sciences research community.
• Passionate about research and an interest in research communication.
• Ability to think innovatively about future directions for the journal, to include scope of coverage, article types and formats, publishing models, etc.
• Ability to act as an active advocate for the journal, encouraging submission of suitable articles by networking.
• Ability to promote new fields and directions in the journal – help to ensure the journal is seen as forward-looking.
• Sufficient time to devote to the journal; not too many significant administrative or other roles.
• Prior experience as an Editor would be helpful, although this is not essential.
• Excellent skills as a communicator with colleagues and scientists at all career stages.

The recruitment committee welcomes applications from international candidates.

Major responsibilities

The EiC is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the journal in collaboration with the COB Board of Directors (in particular the Advisory Group) and the Editors. They are the figurehead of the journal and are responsible for raising the journal’s profile within the community, and ensuring that published content meets the editorial strategy and policies of the journal.

• Set aims, scope, policies and standards for the journal.
• Appoint and maintain both an Editor team with the expertise to handle submissions to BiO (adequate subject and geographical representation), and a supportive Editorial Advisory Board. 
• Handle manuscripts submitted to the journal (selecting reviewers and making a decision on the acceptability of papers). 
• Provide advice to Editors on tricky articles and rebuttals.
• Consider ethics-related issues escalated by the in-house Ethics Coordinator.
• Implement strategies for increasing the number of high-quality submissions, usage, citations and other measures of success for the journal.
• Collaborate closely with the Publisher and Managing Editor on publishing matters.
• Liaise with BiO Advisory Group (Directors) on significant strategic proposals (especially those with budgetary implications).
• Take ultimate budgetary responsibility for the journal (managed by in-house team).
• Work collaboratively with other journals in The Company of Biologists' portfolio.
• Chair annual Editor meeting and organise associated materials (can be online).
• Attend 2-4 Company Board meetings per year (in UK; can be online).
• Write reports or provide updates on journal matters as required by the Company Directors.
• Write 2-3 Editorials per annum on issues pertinent to BiO strategy, policy and community.

Publishing staff based at the Editorial Office in Cambridge, UK are responsible for the day-to-day running of the journal, and offer advice, support and assistance as required.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered an annual stipend (£10,000) and also a per article handling fee. It is envisioned that the EiC should be able to devote 4 hours per week to the position.

The EiC is entitled to reasonable expenses, for example, to cover attendance at COB Board meetings.

The initial contract term would run for 5 years, with 3 year renewal periods.

How to apply

If you are interested in the role, please email your up-to-date resume to the Editorial Office at bio@biologists.com. Please also include a short letter outlining your areas of scientific expertise, any relevant experience, why you are interested in the role and any thoughts you might already have with regards to developing the journal. Please direct any informal enquiries to bio@biologists.com.

Initial application deadline is March 31st 2023, but we will consider applications on a rolling basis.

About The Company of Biologists

The Company of Biologists exists to support biologists and inspire advances in biology. At the heart of what we do are our five specialist journals – Development, Journal of Cell Science, Journal of Experimental Biology, Disease Models & Mechanisms and Biology Open. We take great pride in the quality of the work we publish. We believe that the profits from publishing the hard work of biologists should support scientific discovery and help develop future scientists. Our grants help support societies, meetings and individuals. Our workshops and meetings give the opportunity to network and collaborate.

The Company of Biologists is an inclusive not-for-profit organisation and we believe that everyone has a contribution to make. We believe in equality of opportunity for all and encourage applications from all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status or citizenship.

The Company will use your information only for the purposes of identifying a new EiC.