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Associate Editors Wanted

The Journal of Bioethical Inquiry is seeking engaged individuals with an interest in bioethics to serve as Associate Editors for the following portfolios:

  • Anthropology
  • Sociology
  • Global Health
  • Public Health
  • Science and Genetics

Associate Editors are central to the function and purpose of the JBI. Through engagement with the Editor in Chief, the Editorial Board, and the greater academic community, Associate Editors guide the growth and development of the journal and contribute to the breadth, depth, and sophistication of its content. Associate Editors provide assistance with the acquisition of new material and the editing and review of submitted manuscripts within their field(s) of expertise. Associate Editors are supported by the Managing Editor, the Editorial Board, the Executive Committee, and the Copy Editor and report to the Editor in Chief. An Associate Editor’s key roles and responsibilities are outlined below.

Key Selection Criteria

Successful AEs are expected to show leadership and vision that further the aims of the JBI and provide guidance with respect to the development and refinement of their portfolio. The principal criteria for selection are as follows:

  • Experience in writing and editing scholarly manuscripts.
  • Considerable experience in the area of expertise.
  • Written and verbal communication skills sufficient to carry out position duties.

Position Duties

Associate Editors (AEs) oversee the peer review of manuscripts submitted in their area(s) of expertise, including inviting appropriate peer reviewers, evaluating these reviews, and providing a final review of papers and a recommendation to the editor. AEs also participate in monthly (telephone-based) board meetings, offering guidance on pressing issues as well as the long-term vision and growth of the journal, and may contribute to and/or develop special issues, symposia, case studies for the “In That Case” feature, “Recent Development” columns, and book, film, or art reviews.

The key responsibilities of AEs include:

1. Editorial Tasks

Participation in the editorial process:

  • A manuscript is received by the JBI.
  • The manuscript is allocated to an Associate Editor.
  • Upon receipt of the manuscript, the Associate Editor invites reviewers to review the manuscript.
  • The Associate Editor critically assesses both the manuscript and the reviews.
  • The Associate Editor submits a recommendation and rationale to the Editor in Chief.
  • The Editor in Chief makes the final decision regarding publication and completes the correspondence with the authors.

2. Invitations to Submit Manuscripts to the JBI

Encouragement of submission of high-quality, scholarly manuscripts of various kinds, including the following:

  • Original research.
  • High-impact papers from major scholars of international standing.
  • Review articles in a specific field.

3. Identification of Reviewers for Inclusion in the JBI Database

Contribution to the ongoing expansion of the reviewer database.

4. Other Roles

The roles of Associate Editors may also include providing:

  • Suggestions for themed issues.
  • Suggestions for symposia.
  • Cases for In That Case.
  • Contributions to the JBI website.

About the JBI

The JBI, established in 2004, is an international and interdisciplinary peer-reviewed bioethics journal that is published quarterly by Springer (in print and online). It endeavors to make a distinctive contribution to the field by actively seeking out and publishing work from academic, scientific, artistic, professional, and community contributors and connecting those interested in reflective debate and the analysis of bioethical issues in a global conversation.

Applications

Expressions of interest are welcome from all qualified candidates, regardless of location or field of expertise. Potential candidates are invited to review the JBI website and submit a cover letter and a CV or résumé to:

Professor Paul Komesaroff
Chair of the Editorial Board
Department of Medicine
Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
E-mail: paul.komesaroff@monash.edu
Telephone: 0417 55 26 59

Please note that AE positions are unpaid; however, AEs are provided with calling cards for meetings and are welcomed members of a collegial international community of bioethics scholars.