The American Society of Naturalists is seeking a new Editor-in-Chief (EIC) for its journal, The American Naturalist. This journal has been at the forefront of conceptual advances in organismal biology, including ecology, evolution, genetics, behavior, and more, in its 150-year history.
The new EIC would begin in January 2027, when the term of the current EIC, Volker Rudolf, finishes. The EIC should be an organismal biologist with broad interests in ecology, evolution, genetics, or behavior. The primary role of the EIC is to ensure the continued success of the journal, seeking to expand the number of publications while maintaining its historically high standards of scientific quality. Specific responsibilities of the EIC include
- Reaching decisions on manuscripts, taking into account reviews and recommendations by Associate Editors. This task is shared with two co-Editors.
- Appointing Associate Editors and interacting with these AEs to guarantee high quality and timely review process.
- Making new policies setting journal priorities, such as concerning quality control, subject matter, and article types.
- Soliciting journal submissions, including special features and new subject topics.
- Attending the American Society of Naturalists council meetings at the annual Evolution conference to discuss journal and society initiatives.
- Ensuring fair and equitable access for authors to publish high-quality scientific work, regardless of their career stage, background, or institution.
Academic publishing is undergoing significant changes, and we wish the candidate to be enthusiastic in support of a Society journal and its aims by pursuing opportunities to improve its popularity, impact, and strength during this period.
The EIC should be an accomplished researcher with a record of publication in the fields of ecology, evolution, behavior, or organismal biology, and prior experience with the review and editorial process (e.g., as an Associate Editor). Membership in the American Society of Naturalists is not required, but is preferred. Prior experience working with the American Naturalist as an author, reviewer, or Associate Editor is also preferred.
The appointment is for a 4-year term, with the possibility for renewal. It comes with an annual honorarium and partial expenses paid to attend the annual Evolution meeting as part of the ASN council. The EIC’s location is flexible, as communications over editorial decisions and policies are carried out electronically.
Applications should be sent to the ASN Council asnofficers@googlegroups.com, addressed to the ASN President, Dr. Daniel Bolnick, no later than December 1, 2025. The application should include:
- A cover letter (up to 2 pages) describing your qualifications for the EIC position, why you would like to be considered, and your vision for the journal. Your vision might address ways to grow the journal, improve accessibility in scientific publishing, and how to face challenges in academic publishing
- A CV
- A list of up to 3 references, who the search committee could contact regarding the applicant’s suitability for this position.