Biological Flora Editor x2

Are you a plant ecologist with interest in taxonomy, distribution, community ecology and life-history?

Location: at the holder's host university or organisation, based anywhere in the world
Closing date: Friday 10 May 2024, 23:59 GMT
Interview date: TBC likely to be around the end of May 2024, via Microsoft Teams

About the Journal

Journal of Ecology is a renowned British Ecological Society journal that publishes original research papers on all aspects of the ecology of plants (including algae), in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The journal has a wide international audience, an active social media presence with over 33,000 followers on Twitter and a dedicated journal blog, and excellent publication metrics including a current Impact Factor of 5.5.

The Journal's editorial team consists of five Editors who are supported by dedicated editorial office personnel and an international board of around 100 Associate Editors. The Senior Editors work together to determine journal strategy and to increase the reputation and quality of the Journal, in addition to making decisions on around 1000 manuscripts submitted each year.

About Biological Flora

Biological flora are a series of autecological plant accounts published in Journal of Ecology alongside the journal's other articles. Over 300 accounts have been published to date.

We publish Biological Flora of Britain and Ireland (BFBI) and International Biological Flora (IBF). IBF aim to widen the scope of BFBI and publish accounts on species occurring elsewhere in the world, that are ecologically significant.

• species of conservation importance
• foundation species
• important weeds
• invasive species
• crop progenitors
• hosts of pandemic disease

About you

We are seeking two Biological Flora Editors to strengthen and complement the editorial team.

Applications are welcome from leading scientists covering any areas of the Journal's scope who could contribute to the Journal's development in topical and developing fields.

About the role

Working with other members of the Journal team to promote the aims of the Journal, commission and evaluate submissions, and plan and implement strategies to enhance its profile, expand its reach, and better serve its community of authors and readers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess the expertise and potential suitability of authors offering to prepare species accounts and allocate species accordingly
• Solicit contributions for the Biological Flora of Britain & Ireland (BFBI) and the International Biological Flora (IBF)
• Maintain a register of species allocated to authors and respond to queries about it
• Provide advice to prospective authors and informal review of draft accounts
• Assess submitted Biological Flora species accounts for suitability
• Actively promote the Journal and the BES
• Gather opinions from fellow academic ecologists
• Identify and recruit new Associate Editors
• Assist the editorial office team to identify papers for further promotion
• Contribute to the Journal's development
• Act as Associate Editor for a limited number of manuscripts
• Actively engage with social media tools (desirable)

Selection criteria:

• Evidence of an active and relevant publication record
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject area
• Experience of reviewing (essential) and other editorial work (highly desirable)
• Ability to work as part of a team of Editors
• Ability to work independently and to prioritize from a range of active projects
• Ability to form, communicate with, and operate in, scientific networks
• Commitment to the post and to the mission of the BES

The Journal recognizes 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 part-time for three years in the first instance, and Biological Flora Editors will receive free BES membership and some financial support.