Chief Editor, Reports on Progress in Physics

Negotiable Salary + Excellent Benefits

UK/US/China remote

Job Summary

Reports on Progress in Physics, one of the most important titles in the IOP Publishing (IOPP) portfolio of physical science journals, has a unique opportunity available for an ambitious and forward-thinking Chief Editor.

The Chief Editor will establish and define the future of Reports on Progress in Physics. Working as part of a dynamic editorial and publishing team, this stimulating role demands a passion for science and an understanding of the needs of authors, readers, and reviewers in the changing world of academic publishing.

The successful candidate will be dynamic and outgoing and have exceptional interpersonal skills. Broad scientific knowledge, strategic vision, excellent communication and networking skills, and strong leadership qualities are prerequisites.

Role Overview

The Chief Editor will lead the editorial and strategic development of Reports on Progress in Physics to establish it as a high prestige, top-tier journal for original research, and deliver an associated program of future open access titles positioned at the pinnacle of IOPP’s journals program, ensuring quality, impact and quantity of output to the agreed content framework. The successful applicant will be directly responsible for determining the journal’s scientific scope and editorial direction, as well as ensuring the quality of its published content and peer review service, as the leader of the publishing team.

Key job accountabilities include:

• Develop and deliver content development and commissioning strategies for increasing the number of high-quality submissions, usage, citations and other measures of success for the journal, in line with the journal’s high prestige and top tier positioning.
• Have leadership and managerial responsibilities for the Editorial Board and in-house editorial team members and coordinate the peer review service and evaluation of submissions in line with identified acceptance criteria to ensure the quality, value and top-tier positioning of the journal.
• To be a highly visible internal and external figurehead of Reports on Progressin Physics(and the prospective associated top-tier program) through attendance and participation at relevant scientific conferences/workshops (including speaking/panel engagements and social media activity).
• To lead, in collaboration with the Marketing team and our regional offices, a program of activities to maximize the international visibility and impact of the journal’s content and authors (including author interviews, journalistic coverage, webinars/scientific workshops and other identified tactics).

About you:

Successful applicants should demonstrate the following:

• Postgraduate degree in a physical science discipline

• Subject expertise, a passion for science and extensive editorial experience of working on an academic journal in the physical sciences, including an understanding of the specific needs and expectations of the global research community from a top tier journal in terms of content, impact factor, the peer review process and overall publishing service.

• Excellent communication and networking skills to provide internal and external advocacy for Reports on Progress in Physics and its prospective program of titles.
• Team leadership skills and management experience, and a proven ability to engage, influence and develop strong networks with international researchers and labs across the physical sciences.
• Knowledge and experience of the STM publishing landscape. An understanding of open access, including current trends and mandates, would be beneficial but not essential.
• A creative mindset and the ability to bring energy, ideas and new approaches to journal strategy and portfolio development.

We know it is unusual for someone to check every box so, if you don’t meet all the criteria, but demonstrate most of the skills and experience we are looking for and have the passion to work for a learned society publisher, we encourage you to apply.

What we offer:

For US-based candidates: We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes discretionary annual bonus plan, 100% company paid medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance. We also offer a standard 35-hour working week, generous 401(k) matching plan and 4 weeks paid vacation in your first year of employment.

Flexible working:

This role is open to candidates on a remote basis anywhere in the US.  Our US headquarters is located in Philadelphia, PA if you prefer an office-based environment.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover note through our careers site https://www.ioppublishingcareers.org/current-vacancies.html.

About us:

IOP Publishing is an international scientific publisher, through which leading-edge research is distributed worldwide. Our rapidly expanding journals program is published alongside other sources of scientific information in the form of ebooks, magazines and conference proceedings. Other publications include easily accessible community and regional websites. We are a world leader in the development of electronic publishing for the scientific community and have offices in Europe, Asia, and North America. Working in the interests of science and scientists, we aim to maximize the impact of the research we publish.

IOP Publishing is central to the Institute of Physics, a not-for-profit society. Any financial surplus earned by IOP Publishing goes to supporting science through the activities of the Institute. With a continuing focus on growth, we recognize that every single person has a role to play if we’re to achieve our aim of becoming the world’s leading publisher in our field.

IOP Publishing is an equal opportunity employer. Our goal is to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are built into our identity in a way that is natural and sustainable, visible through the work we produce, our company branding, our professional networks and the communities we serve and support, which includes our employees, talent communities and candidates. We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented backgrounds.

About IOP Publishing Inc

IOP Publishing is an international scientific publisher, through which leading-edge research is distributed worldwide. Our rapidly expanding journals program is published alongside other sources of scientific information in the form of eBooks, magazines and conference proceedings. Other publications include easily accessible community and regional websites. We are a world leader in the development of electronic publishing for the scientific community and have offices in Europe, Asia and the US. Working in the interests of science and scientists, we aim to maximize the impact of the research we publish. IOP Publishing is central to the Institute of Physics, a not-for-profit society. Any financial surplus earned by IOP Publishing goes to supporting science through the activities of the Institute. With a continuing focus on growth, we recognize that every single person has a real part to play if we’re to achieve our aim of becoming the world’s leading publisher in our field. IOP Publishing is an equal opportunity employer. Our goal is to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are built into our identity in a way that is natural and sustainable, visible through the work w...e produce, our company branding, our professional networks and the communities we serve and support, which includes our employees, talent communities and candidates. We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented backgrounds.

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