The South African Journal of Science (www.sajs.co.za) is an open-access, multidisciplinary journal published bimonthly by ASSAf. The Journal’s mandate is to publish original research with an interdisciplinary and regional Africa focus and to provide a forum for discussion of news and developments in research and higher education.

The Editor-in-Chief leads an editorial team of ten disciplinary-specialist Associate Editors who are responsible for managing the peer review of submissions in their disciplines. The Editor-in-Chief works closely with a full-time publishing team consisting of a Managing Editor, an Online Publishing Systems Administrator and an Online Publishing Administrator led by the Director of Scholarly Publishing. The Editor-in-Chief reports to the Executive Officer of ASSAf and is accountable to the Editorial Advisory Board.

This part-time, three-year contract position requires regular hours per week (16 hours) with some flexibility. Candidates can be based anywhere in South Africa and are not expected to work from the ASSAf office. The successful applicant will be required to enter into a three year Service Level Agreement with ASSAf.

Role

The Editor-in-Chief has overall responsibility for the editorial content of the journal – both scope and quality, and for the associate editors.

Tasks

• Act as ambassador of the journal and represent the journal through all interactions with users and on committees, specifically ASSAf’s Committee on Scholarly Publishing and the Quest editorial board
• Set and drive the strategy of the journal –drive short- and long-term objectives
• Actively promote and grow the journal and enhance the reputation of the journal
• Determine and maintain editorial policies in conjunction with the publisher
• Work with the publisher to market the journal
• Lead the associate editor selection process, provide training/guidance to and oversight of associate editors; assign and balance review workloads
• Actively solicit manuscripts and value-added content such as book reviews and news items
• Oversee peer review and ensure continuous delivery of copy
• Write the Leader, or solicit Guest Leaders, for each issue
• Approve the final issue before publication
• Uphold policies of the journal and act as arbiter on disputes, appeals and cases of unethical conduct and conflicts of interest
• Review reports pertaining to metrics and performance
• Call and chair annual Associate Editor meetings
• Report on the journal to the Editorial Advisory Board

Professional attributes

• Active researcher, well known and well regarded
• PhD
• Broad knowledge of the subject fields
• Extensive networks across the subject fields
• Strong publication record
• Previous editorial experience, specifically in a decision-making capacity

Personal attributes

• Enthusiastic, energetic, highly motivated and committed
• Effective communicator
• Have a demonstrated vision for the journal and be able to communicate that vision
• Strong time management skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse viewpoints and approaches
• Effectively delegate responsibility
• Effectively resolve conflict
• Firm decision-maker
• Fair and discreet
• Follow through promptly
• Explore and embrace innovative technologies and future directions in scholarly publishing

To apply, please submit a letter of application, a CV and the contact details of three references  to  Ms  Lynette du Plessis at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." target="_blank" style="color: #1155cc;">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before 14 January 2019.

Correspondence will only be entered into with short-listed candidates.

ASSAf is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information contact Ms Lynette du Plessis at 071 687 5241.