The Nordic Society Oikos is seeking two new Senior Editors to join the Editor-in-Chief team for Oikos.

ABOUT OIKOS – ADVANCING ECOLOGY

Founded in 1949, Oikos has long been a vital platform for research and perspectives that have the potential to significantly advance or reshape our understanding of ecological mechanisms, processes, or patterns in nature. A society-based journal, Oikos is committed to publishing fundamental ecological research, embracing an open-minded philosophy that challenges established insights and stimulates debate. Our publications are categorized into four sections: standard Research papers, Meta-analyses, Forum, Ignite, and Dialogues.  Oikos welcomes contributions from all fields of ecology and is especially keen to broaden its range to include research areas important to ecology that are under-represented thus far, such as geosciences, ecosystems, socio-ecological oriented contributions, and education.

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary responsibilities of the team of 3-4 Senior Editors include providing editorial leadership and strategic stewardship for Oikos as well as guiding its editorial direction. The Senior Editors are supported by a team of around 80 subject editors, along with the dedicated team at the Nordic Society Oikos (NSO) editorial office.

As a society-owned journal, Oikos is published in close collaboration with its sister journals Ecography, Journal of Avian Biology, Nordic Journal of Botany, and Wildlife Biology.  The Editors-in-Chief (EiCs) of Oikos play a crucial role in shaping the journal's editorial direction and ensuring adherence to its editorial standards. This role entails being a prominent figurehead for Oikos, actively engaging in community outreach, and representing the journal at various academic gatherings and conferences. An integral aspect of the post is promoting NSO’s core principle of diversity, ensuring inclusivity and equity in the journal’s peer review process, and extending these principles to the selection and maintenance of a diverse and inclusive editorial board. EiCs at Oikos are appointed by, and accountable to, the NSO’s Governing Board. The EiCs will work closely with the NSO’s office and are expected to interact in the development of policies and strategies applicable to all journals. One of the main advantages of society-owned journals and their EiCs is the capacity to influence the evolution of the publication system in line with norms relevant to the society and its members. This approach allows for a more tailored and community-focused direction, ensuring that the publications remain aligned with the evolving needs and values of the ecological research community.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluating incoming manuscripts for research rigor and allocating them to appropriate subject editors.
• Reviewing and endorsing decisions made by subject editors.
• Scouting for and encouraging the submission of manuscripts, especially in the Research and Forum sections. These submissions may originate from sources such as Peer Community In (PCI) and conference presentations, or through broader engagement with the ecological community.
• Composing and continually diversifying the editorial board to reflect a broad range of expertise and perspectives.
• Identifying and integrating new subject areas and strategic directions for Oikos.
• Engaging actively in discussions and the implementation of innovative initiatives and strategies in collaboration with the editorial office.
• Serving as an ambassador for Oikos at international meetings and other relevant venues.
• Contributing to the ongoing development of Oikos and participating in strategic discussions with NSO and its affiliated journals.
• Maintaining established standards of ethical practice in scholarly publications.
• Coordinating effectively with fellow EiCs to ensure a cohesive and collaborative approach across all aspects of the editorial processes and policies of Oikos.

ADDITIONAL ROLES

• Fostering a strong community presence through outreach, editorial commentaries, and public engagement initiatives.
• Ensuring the journal's content reflects current trends and advances in the field.
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with academic and research institutions to establish collaborations for special issues and guest editorships, and to promote research from emerging fields and geographies.
• Monitoring and enhancing the peer review process to ensure timely reviews, uphold quality and integrity, and explore ways to make the process more efficient and transparent.
• Implementing and overseeing data sharing and open access policies in line with current best practices.
• Organizing and participating in journal-sponsored workshops or webinars, specifically targeting early-career researchers, and focusing on publishing processes and emerging trends in ecology.
• Promoting interdisciplinary research and publications by encouraging submissions that bridge various areas of ecology or that link ecology with other scientific disciplines.
• Providing mentorship and support to early-career editors, fostering their professional growth and development.

EXPERTISE AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a robust publication record in the field of ecology, and previous editorial experience. An ideal candidate will possess the ability to work autonomously while effectively collaborating as part of the team. As a Senior Editor, you will act as a key ambassador for the journal, and will need to have effective communication and networking skills. Strategic thinking and the ability to be a catalyst for the journal’s continued development are essential qualities for this role.

We are committed to fostering diversity and encourage applications from all areas of ecology and from all geographical regions. We particularly urge candidates from under-represented groups to apply, as we strive to create a more inclusive academic community.

DURATION OF APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION

The initial term for this position is three years, with the possibility of extending it in three-year increments. Remuneration for the role is provided on an annual basis.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are invited to provide the following documents to the NSO’s Search Committee:

A comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum vitae.
A letter of interest, detailing your motivation for joining the Chief Editorial team at Oikos.
A vision statement (1–2 pages) describing your aspirations for the journal's development in forthcoming years.

Applications and/or questions about the position should be sent to Johan Nilsson, Director of NSO (johan@nordicsocietyoikos.org). We will start reviewing applications on Wednesday 17 January 2024.