Call for Editor(s)-in-Chief – Population Studies

Editor-in-Chief required

Deadline 23 June 2026

About the role

The Population Investigation Committee (PIC) invites applications for the position of Editor(s)-in-Chief of Population Studies, a leading international journal in demography. Founded in 1947, Population Studies publishes high-quality research on population processes and demographic change, including fertility, mortality, migration, family, and population health. The journal is committed to advancing theoretically informed and empirically rigorous research that contributes to understanding population dynamics and their social, economic, and health implications. The PIC seeks an Editor-in-Chief or a team of two or three Editors-in-Chief to lead the journal and build on its long-standing reputation for publishing influential demographic scholarship.

About the journal

Journal cover: Population Studies
For over half a century, Population Studies has reported significant advances in methods of demographic analysis, conceptual and mathematical theories of demographic dynamics and behaviour, and the use of these theories and methods to extend scientific knowledge and to inform policy and practice. The Journal’s coverage of this field is comprehensive: applications in developed and developing countries; historical and contemporary studies; quantitative and qualitative studies; analytical essays and reviews. The subjects of papers range from classical concerns, such as the determinants and consequences of population change, to such topics as family demography and evolutionary and genetic influences on demographic behaviour. Often the Journal’s papers have had the effect of extending the boundaries of its field. Papers for publication and books for review should be submitted via Population Studies’ Manuscript Central site, at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/rpst Other editorial correspondence should be addressed to: The Editors Population Investigation Committee Room PS201 London School of Economics Houghton Street London WC2A 2AE Telephone +44 (0)20-7955-7666 Fax +44 (0)207 955 6831 Email: [email protected] Contributors and readers include demographers, sociologists, economists, anthropologists, social statisticians, geographers, historians, epidemiologists, health scientists, and policy analysts.

Key Skills and Attributes

The Editor(s)-in-Chief will:
  • Identify and proactively solicit high-quality submissions that demonstrate scholarly rigour, contribute to the discipline, and address issues of societal relevance.
  • Advocate for the journal, developing its profile, visibility, and reach.
  • Oversee the peer-review process, ensuring it is efficient and fair.
  • Work with the editorial board to conduct initial manuscript assessments, identify and secure reviewers, evaluate reviews, and make editorial decisions.
  • Provide timely communications for the editorial office to share with authors.
  • Chair editorial board meetings and attend PIC meetings where relevant (2–3 per year at present).
  • In consultation with the editors, make decisions about the size and composition of the editorial board and its governance.
  • Work with the PIC General Secretary on reporting, operations, and new initiatives.
  • Support PIC’s work with the publisher on production schedules, journal development, and commercial matters.
Support The post is subject to an honorarium, which will be discussed with the finalist(s). There will be a handover period with the current editorial team. Ongoing support will be provided by the PIC General Secretary, who runs the journal’s editorial office and coordinates with the journal’s scientific copyeditor, production team, reviewers, authors, consulting editors and publisher. Selection criteria The primary qualification is a clear understanding of the journal’s mission and the ability to articulate and take forward a compelling intellectual vision for the journal. This is likely to be supported by:
  • A strong record of scholarship within the field of demography and population studies.
  • Service and experience as a reviewer/editor/author and a relevant scientific network.
  • Excellent leadership, organisational, and editorial skills to support journal operations.
  • A commitment to ongoing diversity and inclusion efforts within our scholarly community.
  • Understanding of innovations and ongoing shifts in scholarly publishing, including the challenges and opportunities related to AI and Open Access.
  • Current or emeritus status at an academic or relevant research institution.

Application instructions

Applicants should submit:
  • A curriculum vitae.
  • A brief statement of editorial vision for Population Studies (approximately 1–2 pages).
Deadline and submission Applications should be submitted by 5pm UK time, Tuesday 23 June 2026. Candidates may be approached before the deadline. Applications and informal inquiries should be sent to: [email protected] The Population Investigation Committee encourages applications from all candidates who feel they meet the primary qualification for selection. PIC particularly welcomes applications from scholars who are members of under-represented groups and is committed to promoting diversity within the journal’s leadership. Further information about the journal can be found at popstudies.net

Journal pledge

The journal is committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion within its editorial team and decision making processes. All applications will be treated as strictly confidential, and each will be judged on its merits without bias for seniority of institutional affiliation. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or protected veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics.

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