Managing Editor for AoB PLANTS A Managing Editor is sought to assist with the operation of AoB PLANTS, an open access, on-line journal published by Oxford University Press. Established in 2009, this non-profit journal publishes peer-reviewed articles in all aspects of basic and applied plant biology, with an intensifying focus on environmental biology. Submitted manuscripts undergo rigorous double-blind evaluations and articles are published on-line within days of acceptance. At present, authors are not charged for publication but modest fees will be initiated in the future. In the coming months, AoB PLANTS will mount a major marketing campaign to raise its visibility and increase manuscript submissions. AoB PLANTS is the sister journal of Annals of Botany, which has been in operation for over 125 years. Both journals are owned and operated by the Annals of Botany Company, a non-profit organization established in 1903.
Duties of the position. The Managing Editor of AoB PLANTS will be charged with managing the day-to-day operations of the journal. Duties of the position include the following: • assessing submitted manuscripts to determine their suitability for review; • editing and proof-reading manuscripts; • working with authors, reviewers, Handling Editors and the Chief Editor to address issues that arise in peer-review and publishing processes; • using the web-based manuscript-submission system (eJournal Press) to manage submitted manuscripts and train Handling Editors to use the system; • evaluating journal success and performance using standard metrics (e.g., article downloads, submission rates, citations, etc.). • working with the Chief Editor to revise and update the journal’s web site; • working with the Chief Editor and Handling Editors to solicit, arrange and produce special issues, review articles and mini-reviews; and • representing and promoting the journal at various events, including conferences. Qualifications. The Managing Editor should have a graduate degree (preferably a Ph.D.) in biology or a related field and knowledge of and interest in plants. He/she must also have • excellent time-management, planning and organizational skills; • excellent communication, writing and editing skills; • excellent computer, web and software skills; • ability to work effectively with the Chief Editor, Handling Editors, editorial and publishing staff, reviewers and journal authors; • ability to identify problems and devise solutions; and • ability to work independently and proactively with minimal supervision. Compensation. The appointment for the Managing Editor will be 50% time, but the position has the potential to expand as AoB PLANTS grows. Salary level will be negotiable and based on previous experience. The successful candidate does not need to be based in a specific location, but preference will be given to applicants located in California (to facilitate interactions with the Chief Editor). Funds will be available for establishing and running a Managing Editor’s office. In addition, all necessary expenses associated with representing the journal at national and international conferences and meetings will be covered. Application. If you are interested in the position, email the incoming Chief Editor (Dr. Hall Cushman, cush...@sonoma.edu) with a CV and a cover letter outlining your background and interests in the position. Note: This August, Hall Cushman will be attending the annual meetings of the Ecological Society of America in Portland, Oregon and would be happy to talk with any interested individuals about the position. Send an email to arrange a meeting. J. Hall Cushman, Professor Department of Biology Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, CA 94928
