AVJ Editor-in-Chief – Expression of Interest

25 Jan 2024

 

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is seeking a new Editor-in-Chief for our flagship scientific publication, the Australian Veterinary Journal (AVJ). The role is responsible for the provision of twelve (12) editions per annum (provided in 11 instalments – Jan & Feb combined) of the AVJ - a scientific and clinical publication of high standing in the veterinary profession, scientific community, and industry.  We are seeking an ambitious and dynamic Editor-in-Chief who looks for reasons to publish a manuscript, rather than reasons to reject, while maintaining the highest standards of peer review. The AVJ Editor-in-Chief, leads the Editorial Board and Associate Editors, and is ultimately responsible for publication flow and the academic content of the journal.

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Directing the overall strategy of the journal including direction, scope and policy (in cooperation with the publisher and AVA management).
  • Managing the Editorial Board and appointing Associate Editors as appropriate.
  • Managing the review and proofing process from submission to publication, using the editorial committee as required, to ensure sustainable and timely copy flow.
  • Being responsible for final decisions regarding publication, consistent with the procedures and standards defined by the Committee on Publication Ethics https://publicationethics.org/.
  • Work with the publisher to promote the AVJ
  • Providing question for the monthly AVJ quiz
  • Acting as an ambassador for the journal, commissioning content and fielding submission enquiries as appropriate in order to grow and improve the quality and impact of the AVJ
  • Monitor publication standards and provide regular feedback to the AVA’s Management and the Publisher.

Desired Attributes:

  • An expert with a global network of contacts and a broad appreciation for the varied fields that are of importance to the Australasian veterinary profession
  • Post-graduate qualification in a veterinary research field
  • A strong history of high-quality peer reviewed publication
  • A strong history of conducting scientific peer review
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • An experienced manager with strong organizational ability
  • Experience in an editorial role and/or with an online editorial system would be an advantage but is not a requirement.
  • Awareness of relevant advances in publishing/dissemination of science
  • High professional and ethical standards
  • Familiarity with the AVA and AVJ

Key Performance Indicators:

  • Raise the Impact Factor
  • Lower/keep the median time from Submission to First Decision <55 days
  • Securing high quality papers
  • Working in the best interest of the AVJ and promote the journal at appropriate opportunities

 

The successful candidate will need to be able to devote a number of hours each week to the journal. This will fluctuate across the month depending on the number and timing of submissions and journal production. As a broad average, it will require 5-10 hours per week.

The Journal is committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion in its Editorial Board, reviewer pool and authorship. The Editor in Chief will uphold that commitment by taking the following actions, where possible: (i) regularly reviewing the Editorial Board and reviewer pool for diversity, equity and inclusion; (ii) making diverse and inclusive appointments to the Editorial Board and reviewer pool; and (iii) reporting immediately to the Publisher any incidents of harassment or discrimination by members of the Editorial Board or reviewers against an individual on the grounds of age, ancestry, colour, religious creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, national origin, race, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or any other category protected by law.

For any enquiries about the role itself, please contact the Editor-in-Chief, A/Prof David Beggs via david.beggs@ava.com.au.

Expressions of interest should include your curriculum vitae including publication history and relevant editorial experience, together with a 1-2 page cover letter including your views on the present status of the journal and your vision for the journal’s development. These must be submitted to Dr Meredith Flash via education@ava.com.au (not A/Prof Beggs), by COB Monday 19th February.