Call for Applications - AJT Editor in Chief

Call for Applications

Editor in Chief

American Journal of Transplantation

The American Society of Transplantation and The American Society of Transplant Surgeons seek candidates for the position of Editor in Chief of the American Journal of Transplantation (AJT). AJT is a monthly, peer reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the science and practice of organ transplantation worldwide by reporting novel and rigorous research. Candidates should possess broad knowledge and experience of organ transplantation and have a distinguished record of scholarly achievement in addition to demonstrated leadership qualities, intellectual vision, outstanding organizational skills, and experience relevant to editing a leading scientific medical journal. The five-year compensated term will start no later than August 1, 2020.  

The primary responsibility of the Editor in Chief is to advance AJT’s quality, reputation, and scholarship as a leading journal in organ transplantation.  The Editor in Chief should aim to strengthen AJT’s impact by building on the journal’s current achievements and by introducing new initiatives to promote the publication of outstanding scientific research representative of the full spectrum of organ transplantation from around the world.

The Editor in Chief oversees the journal’s manuscript submission and peer review processes and is responsible for the quality, timeliness, and content of each issue.  The Editor recommends Deputy Editors and Associate Editors to the AST/ASTS Joint Council to administer AJT’s peer review process, promote content excellence, and advance editorial initiatives to strengthen the journal.  The Editor has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the journal’s activities are conducted in a fiscally responsible manner. The Editor reports to the Joint Council of the AST and ASTS.

The AJT Editor in Chief’s Specific Duties Include:

1. Defining and updating the aims and scope of the journal
2. Overseeing peer review, including ensuring well-defined processes for timely, unbiased, and high-quality reviews
3. Recommending to Joint Council Deputy Editors and Associate Editors with the necessary expertise and integrity to execute the journal’s peer review process
4. Regularly communicating with the Editorial Board and overseeing the Editorial Board’s performance
5. Establishing goals and initiatives to ensure the highest quality content
6. Monitoring the scientific excellence, timeliness, and impact of the journal
7. Reviewing and updating editorial policies to ensure the journal is supporting publication of the highest quality science that is representative of the spectrum of organ transplantation
8. Addressing issues of scientific misconduct in accord with the journal’s scientific misconduct policy
9. Advancing new initiatives to expand access to and improve users’ experience with the journal
10. Responding to correspondence from authors, editors, reviewers, and readers regarding editorial decisions
11. Organizing and leading Editorial Board meetings in collaboration with the publisher
12. Cultivating a high-performing editorial staff who supports authors and the work of peer reviewers
13. Ensuring that all material provided to the publisher is complete and in accordance with the guidelines given in the Instructions for Authors 
14. Overseeing the timely review of page proofs prepared by the publisher and notification of any necessary amendments in accordance with the Production Schedule
15. Reporting to the Joint Council on papers received, accepted, and rejected and geographical distribution of papers received
16. Preparing annual editorial office budgets and financial reports for approval by the Joint Council
17. Advising and assisting Joint Council in identifying opportunities for obtaining non‑subscription revenue.

Eligibility

The AST and ASTS encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds, including persons from underrepresented groups. The successful applicant will

1. Be a member of one or both societies throughout their complete tenure;
2. Be in compliance with the Joint Council conflict of interest policies;
3. Be capable of working closely with the members of the Joint Council of AST and ASTS;
4. Be willing to serve as an independent contractor of the AST and ASTS for the duration of the contract.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit a complete application package to kim.gifford@asts.org by Friday, February 1, 2019.  The application must include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of intent including qualifications and how the candidate will manage the time demands of editing the journal as well as a statement addressing conflicts of interest or commitment.

Select candidates will be contacted by the end of February 2019 and invited to continue in the selection process.  Selected candidates will be provided six weeks to submit the following items:

1. Vision Statement for AJT including

Analysis of current status of AJT

Analysis of how the journal can enhance its relevance to its diverse international readership

Proposed aims for the direction of AJT

Proposed innovations for the journal

2. Letters of Support from their Dean, Department Chair, and up to two additional individuals.
3.  

Finalists will be identified in April 2019 and invited to an in-person interview. Such interviews will occur May 6 – 17, 2019. Finalists must accommodate an in-person interview during this timeframe.

Every effort will be made to maintain the confidentiality of applicants. Applicant information will be reviewed by the Search Committee and shared with members of Joint Council.

Search Committee:

The AST and ASTS have jointly appointed a Search Committee consisting of the members listed below.  Interested applicants are asked not to contact Search Committee members directly about the process and instead contact Ms. Kim Gifford, kim.gifford@asts.org, or Ms. Shandie Covington, scovington@myast.org, with questions. Questions regarding the duties of the Editor in Chief may be directed to Allan Kirk, MD, PhD, allan.kirk@dm.duke.edu, who serves in an advisory, non-voting role on the Search Committee.

John Gill, MD, MS Chair

Deborah Adey, MD

Emily Blumberg, MD

Ginny Bumgardner, MD, PhD

William Chapman, MD

Dixon Kaufman, MD, PhD

Dianne McKay, MD

Lloyd Ratner, MD