Editor of The Astrophysical Journal Letters

AAS Seeking Editor of The Astrophysical Journal Letters

Following the recent reorganization of our journals, The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is conducting a search for Editor of The Astrophysical Journal Letters. The Letters are operated by the community for the community, publishing work in all fields of astronomy and astrophysics by authors from all over the world. We are looking for a dynamic, distinguished member of our community to lead the Letters editorial effort and its focus on the rapid publication of important work in short form.

This editorship is a part-time, multi-year term contracted position reporting to the AAS Publications Editor in Chief (EiC). This search is driven by the consolidation of the editorial functions of the AAS journals as recommended by the Journals Task Force and approved by Council.

Responsibilities:

The Letters Editor has overall responsibility for the content, quality, and visibility of The Astrophysical Journal Letters, including, in particular, arranging for the rapid editorial processing of manuscripts submitted to the Letters. The Letters Editor will oversee the work of a small team of contracted editors.

The Letters Editor will work with the rest of the editorial team, including the Editor in Chief, the Lead Editors, and the individual Science Editors to identify scientific manuscripts that are likely candidates for publication as Letters.

The Letters Editor will maintain an active professional research presence and maintain professional contacts to researchers all areas of science published by the AAS, with particular emphasis on hot topics and emerging trends.

The Letters Editor is expected to represent and promote AAS publications at national and international meetings and maintain a strong connection to emerging scientific areas in the astronomical sciences.

Qualifications:

• A PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related field
• Active, widely respected, recognized expert in the field with an extremely strong record of scholarly publication
• Demonstrated deep knowledge of the scholarly publishing process
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills

Application process:

The AAS Publications Editor in Chief, Ethan Vishniac, has formed a committee to assist him in this search process. Informal expressions of interest and/or questions for the search committee may be sent to the EiC at [email protected].

Formal applications should include the following documents.

• A cover letter to include relevant experience and to explain why this position is of interest;
• A current CV;
• A complete list of publications over the past 10 years; and,
• A vision statement for the Letters (no more than 2 pages).

Please submit these documents and arrange to have four letters of reference sent to [email protected]. Questions concerning the position may also be sent to this address.

Consideration of applications will begin 15 October 2017.

Compensation will be commensurate with the experience of the successful candidate. The position has been a half-time contracted position in the past.

 

The American Astronomical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer