Editor-in-Chief, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious astronomy journals. First published in 1827, MNRAS has a well-earned reputation for publishing high quality original research in astronomy and astrophysics.

MNRAS is a publication of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), and it plays an important role in the Society’s mission to support and connect astronomers and geophysicists, and to advance the rigorous scientific study of the origins and evolution of our own planet and the whole wider cosmos.

The role of the Editor-in-Chief (EiC) is to provide outstanding scientific, editorial and publishing leadership to the Journal and its Editorial Board, and to act as an ambassador for the Journal.

The EiC is responsible for strengthening the position of MNRAS amongst the leading international, Open Access, astronomy research journals.

Person Specification

The position of EiC requires the following skills, knowledge and experience:

Essential

• Strong, dynamic and proactive leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders.
• An excellent international scientific track record in astronomy or its underlying sciences, with substantial and recent experience in managing or conducting research of international quality, evidenced by a record of publication in leading international journals.
• Demonstrable experience of strategic planning and managing change.
• Strong written communication and interpersonal skills in English.
• Excellent organisational skills, including an ability to work to tight deadlines and manage multiple competing priorities.
• Knowledge and understanding of Open Access publishing and the different models for publishing academic astronomy research.
• Excellent networking and influencing skills.
• Understanding and forward-thinking approach to technological developments.

Desirable

• Broad interests and knowledge across a range of astronomical research.
• Editorial experience and/or a track record in the evaluation of research publications.

Role Description

The main duties of the MNRAS Editor-in-Chief are to:

• provide strong, proactive, editorial leadership of the Journal including leading an Editorial Board of international experts.
• agree and implement a clear vision and strategy for the Journal that is relevant to current developments in academic astronomy and astrophysics research.
• structure the Editorial Board to support the EiC’s vision and strategy, and regularly review its composition to maintain its effectiveness through the recruitment of high-profile international Board members.
• enhance the international standing, impact and reputation of the Journal, and drive its status as one of the leading academic research journals in astronomy and astrophysics, in close collaboration with the Editorial Board.
• lead the activities, and shape the celebrations, for the Journal’s bicentenary in 2027.
• maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with the RAS’s publishers.
• ensure that the Journal adheres to the best practice guidelines for publication ethics, to deal with ethical issues such as allegations of misconduct, and to act as final arbiter in disputes (more details below).
• maintain regular communication with the Editorial Board about submissions, peer review, standards and support for the Journal’s development.
• proactively encourage the submission of papers and special issues to MNRAS through commissioning and networking, with support from the Editorial Board.
• work closely with the RAS Editorial Office to ensure the Journal offers a market-leading service to authors and to ensure that MNRAS is represented at the National Astronomy Meeting and other relevant conferences.
• chair the Editorial Board meetings, and annually report to the RAS Publications Management Committee and the RAS Council.
• generate ideas for additional activities to promote the Journal.
• advise on editorial and publications policy with the support of the RAS and the Journal’s publisher.
• when interested, and as time allows, take on some manuscript assignments to stay in touch with the Journal’s processes and procedures.  
• write Editorials on topical matters.
• play an active role in the selection of RAS publisher at the end of the current publishing agreement.

Editorial Integrity

The EiC will act professionally, without prejudice or conflict of interest, and will not allow their editorial judgment to be influenced by political, commercial and other considerations that are beyond the scope of each scientific paper.

During the term of the appointment, the EiC should not act as an Editor or Editorial Board member for a competitor journal.

The EiC will not disclose confidential information unless authorised by the source of that information, or if there are allegations of misconduct that require access to that confidential information for proper investigation, or if the EiC is required by law to disclose that information.

Editors, authors and reviewers of the Journal are expected to adhere to the RAS Editorial Code of Practice.

The Journal is a member of the Committee for Publication Ethics (COPE) and any investigations of ethical issues follow COPE guidelines.

The Call for Applications is also available on the website of the Royal Astronomical Society.