Position Announcement: Editor-in-Chief, Biotropica

The Association of Tropical Biology and Conservation is accepting nominations and applications for the position of Editor-in-Chief of the journal Biotropica. Over the last 50 years Biotropica has become a leading source of original research on the ecology, evolution, conservation, and management of tropical ecosystems and organisms. Published by the ATBC in partnership with Wiley, Biotropica is an indispensable reference for researchers and practitioners and has been the outlet for some of the most important conceptual and empirical advances in tropical biology.

In addition to expertise in their specialization and a strong publication record, applicants should have a broad understanding of emerging issues in tropical biology and conservation, relevant editorial experience, and experience administering budgets and managing diverse teams. Familiarity with the emerging issues in scientific publishing is preferred.

The new Editor will begin their service in 2019. The start date is flexible, as is the length of the Editor’s term (recent EICs have served ~5 years). The position comes with a modest stipend, funds for travel to the annual meeting of the ATBC, and discretionary funds for implementing new initiatives.

The primary responsibilities of the EIC include the following:

  • Work with the Editorial Coordinator, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board members to coordinate the review of ~400 submissions per year;
  • Supervise the production of 6 issues per year (~100 articles) by the Editorial Coordinator and Wiley staff;
  • Manage the Editorial Office Budget and project expenses;
  • Recruit, mentor, and incentivize a diverse and highly qualified group of Associate and Subject Editors;
  • Develop and implement initiatives that highlight the visibility and profile of the journal, attract innovative and high-impact submissions, promote transparency and open science, and serve the global membership of the ATBC;
  • Coordinate marketing, social media, and journal operations in collaboration with the Managing Editor, staff from Wiley, and ATBC Executive Director;
  • Serve as an Ex Officio member of the ATBC Council and attend Council meetings;
  • Serve as a global ambassador for Biotropica and ATBC.

Job Qualifications:

  • PhD in a field of ecology, evolution, environmental studies, or conservation
  • A strong record of publication on subjects relevant to Biotropica and the ATBC
  • Prior experience as an Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editor, or Subject Editor for a journal in this or a related field
  • A broad understanding of emerging issues in tropical biology and conservation
  • Experience administering budgets and managing diverse teams
  • Familiarity with emerging issues in scientific publishing (e.g., ‘open science’, technological innovations, emerging business models, bias in peer review)

How to apply:

Applicants for the position should submit the following to Robin Chazdon, Chair, Search Committee (rchazdon@gmail.com) no later than 15 November 2018:

  1. A cover letter detailing why they are interested in the position, their relevant editorial experience, and the issues they have identified as priorities for the journal moving forward;
  1. A Curriculum Vitae;
  2. The names and contact information of 3 references.

For additional information about the position please contact the current Editor-in-Chief (Emilio Bruna, editor@biotropica.org).