ASABE Journals Editor in Chief
Background
The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) is an educational and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. Founded in 1907, ASABE comprises 7,000 members in nearly 100 countries.
ASABE’s peer-reviewed journals include Journal of the ASABE, Applied Engineering in Agriculture, Journal of Natural Resources and Agricultural Ecosystems, and the Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health. About 250 to 300 peer-reviewed articles are published annually. The peer-review process for journal manuscripts is currently led by Community Editors, one for each of the Technical Communities within ASABE, and about 140 Associate Editors.
To further expand the dissemination of knowledge to our constituents, ASABE has created a new position for an Editor in Chief (EIC). The EIC will oversee the entire peer-review process and provide strategic guidance for ASABE journals.
Position Description
The EIC will establish a vision and goals, collaboratively with the editorial board, for improving the quality and impact of ASABE journals.
The EIC will oversee the peer-review process for ASABE journals, including the performance of the Community Editors (CEs) and Associate Editors (AEs).
Qualifications
The following qualifications are expected of the EIC:
- An outstanding publication record, reputation within their discipline, and respected by society members.
- Strong moral and ethical character.
- Previous editorial experience, which may include editorial roles within or outside of ASABE.
- Current ASABE member status.
Primary Responsibilities
The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Evaluate the performance of the CEs and AEs and retire those whose performance is consistently below expectations.
- Appoint and mentor new CEs, with input from the relevant technical community, when current CEs leave or are retired.
- Ensure that the relevant technical communities nominate and recommend CEs as described in the community bylaws.
- Assign manuscripts to AEs during periods of transition between CEs.
- Set performance expectations for CEs, which may include the number of manuscripts received, invited review papers, submissions to special collections, and time required for review.
- Evaluate the CE and AE structure and workflow and make recommendations to the ASABE Editorial Board and ASABE Publications Council for modifications based on publication rates and needs.
- Set performance expectations for the AEs in collaboration with the CEs.
- Approve AEs as nominated by the CEs.
- Make final decision on appeals of CE decisions.
- Address concerns regarding conflicts of interest, plagiarism, and other ethical issues.
- Set performance goals and track metrics for ASABE journals, including the number of submitted manuscripts, the number of published manuscripts, the journal impact factor, and the number and size of special collections.
- Promote strategies to increase the journal readership, reach, special issues, etc. to make ASABE journals more relevant and valuable.
- Provide an annual status report to the ASABE Board of Trustees, the Editorial Board, and the Publications Council. The report should include a summary of the twelve items listed above.
- Attend at least one Board of Trustees meeting annually.
- Provide additional information to the Board of Trustees upon request.
- Serve as chair of the ASABE Editorial Board. The Editorial Board will meet quarterly. Additional meetings may be called by the EIC to address specific issues as identified by the first twelve items listed above. As chair of the Editorial Board, the EIC will also serve as a member of the Publications Council. The EIC is expected to attend meetings of the Editorial Board and Publications Council at the annual international meeting.
Compensation
$10,000 annual stipend. The EIC will have the option to receive this stipend as a payment or in-kind.
Term and reporting
Three years, with a single renewal possible after evaluation of performance. The EIC will report to the EIC Oversight Committee established by the Board of Trustees.
Travel
The EIC is expected to attend the annual international meeting and at least one Board of Trustees meeting annually.
How to apply
Please send a cover letter and your curriculum vitae to JournalsEIC@asabe.org. The cover letter should include a description of experiences in journal editorial roles, and a vision for the ASABE journals.
This position is open until filled. Review of applicants begins immediately.
Selection process
The EIC Oversight Committee has been directed to develop a pool of candidates, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate relative to their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the EIC, and make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees on which candidate should be appointed as EIC. The Board of Trustees will approve the appointment of the EIC.