Senior Editor - Journal of Applied Ecology

Senior Editor – Journal of Applied Ecology

Salary: c. £7,900 per annum (≈ €9,150 / US$10,800). Contract: 3‑year part‑time. Location: host university/organisation, based anywhere in the world.

Closing date: Sunday 21 December 2025. Interview date: January or February TBC via Microsoft Teams.

About the Journal

Journal of Applied Ecology publishes novel, high‑impact papers on the interface between ecological science and the management of biological resources. The primary aim of the journal is to drive forward the field of applied ecology by providing a high‑quality evidence base for scientists, managers and policymakers. We recently celebrated our 60th birthday with an editorial highlighting our real‑world impact. The journal boasts an impact factor of 4.8 and a CiteScore of 9.3, and we continually seek to improve equity and inclusion through mentoring schemes and ECR prizes.

Requirements

About you

We are seeking an active researcher with broad interests in applied ecology. Expertise in conservation science, animal ecology and forest ecology is particularly welcomed but not required. Applications are welcome from leading scientists covering any areas of the Journal’s scope who could contribute to its development in topical and emerging fields. The ideal candidate will be a clear communicator who works well as part of a team and a good decision‑maker who acts with integrity in both editorial and scientific work. They will be a creative thinker, with a solid understanding of their own field of applied ecology and an overview of the wider discipline; experience of reviewing and editing processes; commitment to maintaining the high editorial standards of the Journal; and an interest in ongoing developments within academic publishing.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess submitted manuscripts for suitability, selecting handling Associate Editors and reviewers, and making decisions based on their comments and your own judgement.
• Actively promote the Journal and the BES to your networks and when attending conferences.
• Solicit contributions in all areas relevant to the Journal.
• Identify key subject areas on which the Journal should focus.
• Gather opinions from fellow academic ecologists, use this information to suggest changes in procedure, develop new initiatives and/or feed into general discussions about the strategic direction of the Journal.
• Identify and recruit new Associate Editors, including through the promotion of open recruitment calls, with a focus on ensuring diverse representation and participation amongst editorial board members.
• Assist the editorial office team to identify papers for further promotion via blogs, video, podcasting and the media.
• Contribute to the Journal’s development and join in discussions with those involved with other BES journals to help identify opportunities for cross‑journal initiatives.
• Act as Associate Editor for a limited number of manuscripts.
• Actively engage with social media tools in order to help promote the Journal (desirable).

Selection Criteria

• Evidence of an active and relevant publication record.
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject area, complementary to that of the existing Editors.
• Experience of reviewing (essential) and of other editorial work (highly desirable).
• Ability to work as part of a team of Editors, thinking both strategically and creatively.
• Ability to work independently and to prioritise from a range of active projects.
• Ability to form, communicate with, and operate in, scientific networks and engage with other relevant audiences, including through use of social media.
• Ability to consider multiple information sources or viewpoints, and act decisively.
• Commitment to the post and to the mission of the BES, and a desire to explore new opportunities to develop and enhance journal publishing.

The Journal recognises the benefits that a diverse editorial board brings. We strongly encourage leading ecologists from underrepresented demographic groups and geographic regions to apply.

This post is a part‑time three‑year contract (current honourarium c. £7,900 per annum, which equates to approximately €9,150 or US$10,800). Some additional financial support is available to facilitate attendance at meetings with other BES Editors and to act as an ambassador for the Journal at relevant conferences.