Deadline: September 30th, 2024. 

How to apply: Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae, a brief plan for improving the journal content and quality, and a short paragraph on their priorities for strategic journal development, to Barbara Zöhrer, Senior Publisher, at barbara.zoehrer@springernature.com.

If you have any questions and/or would like to talk to the publisher before applying, please get in touch at the same email address.

Who should apply:  We are seeking candidates with a broad knowledge of microbiology. They should have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree and be able to demonstrate a strong research and publication record. Prior experience in peer-review activities and other editorial functions is highly desirable.

The journal: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek publishes papers on fundamental and applied aspects of microbiology. The topics covered range from molecular biology and genetics to microbial pathogenesis and bioinformatics. Submissions should either describe recent findings on fundamental mechanisms, new physiology, or present results on applied microbiology in the field of agriculture, food, medical or environmental sciences.

With a 2023 Impact Factor of 1.8 and more than 400,000 article downloads in 2023, the journal provides relevant and high-quality content to a global community of microbiologists.

The role: The Editor-in-Chief appointment will be for an initial three-year term, starting on 1 January 2025, and includes an annual editorial stipend. The position is open to highly regarded experts in microbiology with international recognition and proven scientific leadership in a renowned academic or research institution.

Responsibilities include working alongside the Editorial Board to manage peer review of manuscripts under consideration by the journal, closely collaborating with the publisher to select the Editorial Board, and commissioning submissions in areas of interest and innovation. The Editor-in-Chief will work routinely with Springer Nature on journal development with the goal of furthering the journal’s impact and reach.

Responsibilities of the Editor-in-Chief include:

• The Editor-in-Chief will exercise control of the editorial development and editorial content of the journal and oversee the application of high editorial standards to all published contributions.
• Supplying the Publisher with refereed and accepted manuscripts and other editorial material, prepared in accordance with the guidelines to authors.
• In consultation with the Publisher, selecting and maintaining an Editorial Board that provides both international representation and diverse expertise in review of submitted manuscripts.
• Periodically selecting Guest Editors who shall be responsible for soliciting and acquiring manuscripts for topical collections.
• Using their best efforts to promote and to assist the Publisher in promoting the journal at relevant meetings, online and within appropriate scientific communities.
• Checking the content of the journal with a view to ensuring that there is no material infringing editorial policies. They also will promptly inform the Publisher of any resulting concerns and be available to discuss and support resolution of those concerns.
• Supporting ongoing diversity and inclusion goals in helping to ensure the journal is reflective of the global community that it serves.
• Adhering to standards of editorial good practice, as defined in the Publisher’s Code of Conduct for Editors-in-Chief. The Code is based on guidelines and best practice recommendations issued by organizations such as the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
• Participating in Springer Nature’s Transfer Service by offering the transfer option, where appropriate, to authors whose manuscripts have been rejected from the journal, as well as considering manuscripts received through the Transfer Service.
• Participating in regular meetings with the Publisher as well as annually engaging with the Editorial Board members to keep them updated regarding the ongoing development of the journal and to set and accomplish journal development goals.

Ideally the new Editor-in-Chief will be in post before the end of November, to allow for a hand over with the current Editor-in-Chief. Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis so early submissions of interest and applications are encouraged. Interviews are held via Microsoft Teams.

For any inquiries regarding the role, please feel free to contact Barbara Zöhrer.