Editor-in-Chief needed for Animal Biotechnology

Editor-in-Chief required

About the role

The Editor-in-Chief (EIC) is responsible for the overall editorial leadership of the journal, ensuring the integrity, quality, and timely publication of scholarly content. The EIC oversees the peer review process, manages the Editorial Board, and works closely with Taylor & Francis to develop and implement the journal’s strategic vision. Key Responsibilities 1. Peer Review Oversight The Editor-in-Chief ensures a rigorous, fair, and efficient peer review process that meets agreed annual publication targets, publishes content within the journal’s Aims and Scope, maintains high-quality standards, adheres to agreed publication timelines, and complies with the Taylor & Francis Editor Code of Conduct, with particular attention to editorial ethics. More specifically you will be:
  • Assessing whether submissions are within scope and suitable for review
  • Monitoring the article pipeline regularly
  • Ensuring Section Editors and Editorial Board members register and use the system
  • Encouraging independent experts to participate in peer review
  • Securing at least two independent reviews for each manuscript
  • Following up with editors and reviewers to maintain timely decisions
  • Reviewing referee suitability and finding replacements when needed
  • Making informed decisions based on referee reports and communicating outcomes professionally
  • Managing revised submissions and requesting additional reviews where necessary
  • Communicating promptly and professionally with authors throughout the process
  • Working with Taylor & Francis staff to implement improvements to the system
2. Editorial Board Management
  • Recruit and refresh Editorial Board membership to ensure diversity and expertise
  • Provide updates and lead regular Editorial Board meetings
  • Promote engagement and accountability among board members
3. Ethical Standards and Integrity
  • Act promptly on concerns or allegations of research misconduct
  • Work with Taylor & Francis to resolve issues in line with publishing ethics
4. Strategic Development
  • Participate in annual performance reviews with Taylor & Francis
  • Set strategic goals and review the journal’s Aims and Scope
  • Engage with subject communities and track emerging research trends
  • Stay informed about developments in scholarly publishing, including Open Access
5. Content Development
  • Commission articles and plan Special Issues
  • Author editorials and contribute to the journal’s visibility
Skills and Experience
  • Established reputation in the field of animal biotechnology
  • Strong understanding of peer review and publishing ethics
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills Ability to lead and motivate an Editorial Board
  • Familiarity with online peer review systems
Support Provided by Taylor & Francis
  • Online peer review management system and training
  • Dedicated editorial support team
  • Guidance on publishing ethics and best practices
  • Annual performance review and strategic planning support

About the journal

Journal cover: Animal Biotechnology
Biotechnology can be defined as any technique that uses living organisms (or parts of organisms like cells, genes, proteins) to make or modify products, to improve plants, animals or microorganisms for a specific use. Animal Biotechnology publishes research on the identification and manipulation of genes and their products, stressing applications in domesticated animals. The journal publishes full-length articles and short research communications, as well as comprehensive reviews. The journal also provides a forum for regulatory or scientific issues related to cell and molecular biology applied to animal biotechnology.

Key Skills and Attributes

Ready to apply? Here are the skills and attributes we are looking for in a successful applicant:
  • Experience in academic publishing and familiarity with all stages of the process.
  • The capacity to devote time each week to the role, and to attend Editorial Board meetings and training sessions as needed.
  • The ability to ensure all submitted manuscripts are considered in a prompt, consistent and professional manner.
  • The ability to confidently use an online peer review management system and ensure members of the editorial team do the same.
  • Experience with working effectively with independent peer reviewers.
  • The ability to read, summarize, and make decisions based on independent reviewer reports.
  • A commitment to communicating promptly, consistently, and professionally with authors during the peer review process.
  • A commitment to engaging promptly and efficiently with Taylor & Francis staff and suppliers to implement necessary processes and improvements.
  • A strong commitment to ethical rigour as well as knowledge of the COPE guidelines and commitment to ensure that the journal adheres to strict ethical standards at all times.
  • A willingness to proactively lead the journal’s Editorial Board, to include arranging and leading Editorial Board meetings.
  • A proven track record as a key opinion leader and known figure within your academic discipline.
  • Actively involved in growing and developing your academic networks through conference attendance and experience of networking through social media.
  • Knowledge of and commitment to the open access publishing environment.
  • A vision and enthusiasm for the continuous development of the journal.
The role will formally begin from 1 January 2027.

Application instructions

Applications should include your CV, a Cover Letter and a Vision Statement. Your Vision Statement should be no longer than 1 page and include:
  • Where you believe the field is going, and the journal’s place within it
  • How you would work in partnership with the Editorial Board
  • How you would maintain and increase the quality of submissions
  •  How you would work with authors
For any questions or the role profile, please contact laurence,[email protected]. Apply for the role by filling in our form

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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