Planetary Science Journal  Editor

Who We Are:  

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is a nonprofit membership organization working to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community. Our membership of about 8,200 individuals includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers, and others whose research and educational interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising astronomical sciences. AAS’s advocacy efforts focus on US federal policy making that impacts the astronomical sciences, including research and education funding, policies impacting the profession, and regulations. The Division for Planetary Sciences is AAS’s largest topical Division and is a partner in the publication of the Planetary Science Journal.  

Are you passionate about planetary science and looking for an editorial role that lets you work from your home institution? Join the AAS Journals Publishing Team as a contract Editor for The Planetary Science Journal, dedicating approximately 20% of your time to managing the journal's editorial process, coordinating peer reviews of submitted manuscripts, and overseeing other scientific editors. Our team is collegial, collaborative, and committed to providing top-notch customer service to scientific authors. If you have experience in a scientific editorial role, and your institution will support your commitment to editorial work, we would like to hear from you!   

This position should be held in conjunction with an academic or research appointment at a home institution. 

You'll be working alongside the AAS Editor-in-Chief, Lead Editors, Scientific Editors, Editorial Office Staff and Journal Data Editors.  

Compensation will include a modest quarterly stipend, a waiver for fees associated with AAS journals, and a stipend allocated for the procurement of laptop and other essential equipment to excel in the position.  

Responsibilities:  

• Maintain high scientific standards for articles published in The Planetary Science Journal.  

• Ensure the integrity of the peer review process.  

• Decide on appropriate material for articles and topics for “Focus” issues in The Planetary Science Journal.  

• Source Science Editors to provide the necessary breadth of expertise for proper review of submissions and supervise their work. The choice of Science Editors will be subject to review by the AAS Editor-in-Chief and, the AAS Publications Committee and the Publications Subcommittee of the DPS.  

• Set review policy, including the number of reviewers required, the use of dual anonymous review, inviting review papers, and organizing focus issues.  

• Address questions of editorial integrity as needed, in collaboration with the AAS Editor-in-Chief, the Publications Subcommittee of the DPS, and the Editorial Board of the AAS Journals.  

• Consult with relevant experts in planetary science, the Publications Subcommittee of the DPS, the AAS Publications Committee and the Editorial Board of the AAS Journals as necessary. Respond promptly to requests for technical assistance or author’s concerns.  

• Maintain contact with SEs assigned to The Planetary Science Journal to coordinate activities, outreach efforts, and support AAS Journals efforts (e.g., reviewer training, AAS YouTube interviews). This includes in-person and online group meetings and journal consultations. Provide leadership and encouragement to advance The Planetary Science Journal.  

• Participate in annual editorial meetings and regularly scheduled editorial teleconferences to stay current on relevant events, problems, and opportunities in scientific publishing.  

• Represent The Planetary Science Journal at relevant scientific meetings, including the annual DPS meeting. Report to the DPS Committee and DPS and AAS publications committees as requested during the year.  

• Respond to concerns of authors and reviewers with patience and diplomacy.  

• Coordinate with AAS Journals staff supporting the publications and the journal production staff (currently IOP).  

Requirements:  

• PhD or equivalent in astronomy, planetary science or a closely related field.  

• Significant track record in publishing and peer reviewing scientific/scholarly papers, prior editorial experience a plus.  

• Strong leadership and management capabilities with passion, strategic vision, and focus on quality to lead a vibrant and close-knit team of scientific editors.  

• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and time-management skills, with demonstrated ability to execute responsibilities with minimal supervision.  

• Ability to maintain a professional and team-focused approach when collaborating with colleagues and publishing partners.  

• Demonstrated awareness of trends and policies in scholarly publishing, both print and online, and the ability to maintain and grow this knowledge.  

• Proficiency in office software, including MS Office, and the ability to learn additional software tools as required.  

• Comfortable working with colleagues on Zoom and MS Teams.  

• Able to work throughout the week as required.