Job Details

Chief Editor, Physical Review B

• Provide vision and direction for the journal in alignment with APS Publishing strategy


• Carries out horizon scanning for potential threats and opportunities


• Work in partnership with, and consult, the Lead Editor across strategic areas where relevant


• Serve as an ambassador for the journal, building the editorial team's connections with prominent researchers at conferences or through lab visits, either in person or virtually


• Responsible for the performance of the journal; regularly monitoring its performance, mitigating risks and issues; and planning future developments to grow and improve


• Uphold editorial criteria and design and execute strategies to attract high-quality submissions to the journal and, where appropriate, to the entire portfolio


• Work with the editorial team to lead on new development initiatives (internally and externally) that drive growth and sustainability of the journal


• Actively contribute to ensuring the journals are diverse, equitable, and inclusive


• As a member of the Editorial Management Team, advise the Executive Editor and CPO, foster internal communication, and support initiatives as needed

• Oversee the day to day running of the journal and the operational processes and procedures underpinning activity, ensuring they remain effective and efficient and produce high quality content


• Manage the hiring, onboarding, and training of new editorial staff and academic editors, with support and input from the Lead Editor


• Lead and manage the editorial team, including APS staff editors and academic editors, establishing and communicating transparent expectations for performance and supporting the career development of staff members


• Support the CEA in the selection, recruitment and onboarding of editorial board members


• Work with the CEA and provide them with guidance on the effective running of the board and consistent engagement of its members


• Ensure consistent acceptance criteria, high ethical standards, alignment with Physical Review editorial policy and practice, and competitive processing times


• Manage the review and appeals process for submissions


• Act as primary journal contact for upper editorial management (Executive Editor and Chief Publication Officer) and other departments


• Work with the editorial team and other APS departments to identify sponsorship opportunities, promote journal content and initiatives through a variety of outlets, including social media


• Assume responsibility for allocating the journal's annual travel budget


• Maintain and promote a productive and positive work environment focused on professional excellence and in alignment with APS Core values


• Handle original manuscripts on a relevant research area for the journal, at a level consistent with the managerial demands of the role

• The Chief Editor reports to the Executive Editor or the Associate Executive Editor


• 0-10 Direct Reports; 0-20 Indirect Reports, dependent on journal


• Collaboration with Publications Leadership and Management


• May manage consultant editors (0-20)

• PhD in Physics or related field and at least one year of post-doctoral experience

• At least 5 years of scientific editorial experience, preferably in a research area relevant to the journal


• Impeccable track record applying scientific expertise and broad understanding of research toward the evaluation of manuscripts in a critical, thoughtful, and independent manner


• Proven track record of successfully leading projects, supervising teams and mentoring staff


• Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills with a proven track record of making the right connections and building networks both internally and externally


• Commitment to quality peer review


• Uses data and metrics effectively to assess performance


• Proven track record of identifying opportunities for improvement and planning/executing delivery plans to implement those improvements


• Excellent knowledge of the scientific research landscape in the areas of coverage


• Enthusiasm for learning about new research areas and trends in scientific publishing


• Strong sense of integrity and a commitment to a diverse and inclusive research community


• Ability to make prompt independent evaluations and decisions


• Able to manage multiple priorities


• Impeccable writing and communication skills