The Geochemical Society and the Meteoritical Society are seeking qualified candidates to serve as Executive Editor (EE) of Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta (GCA). The appointment is for an initial 3-year term commencing January 1, 2025, with the possibility of an additional 3-year term by negotiation with the Societies and the publisher. GCA publishes research papers that address fundamental aspects of geochemistry and cosmochemistry as well as articles relating to key activities of the sponsoring Societies. The journal receives over 1,000 new submissions per year, of which less than half are accepted for publication.
The GCA EE is responsible for and has control over the scientific content of the journal, taking into account the aims and scope of the journal, the publisher’s editorial policies, and guidance from the sponsoring Societies. The primary responsibilities of the EE are to oversee the editorial process, establish editorial policies for the journal, and uphold the ethical standards of our scientific community. This is accomplished by working closely with a team of Associate Editors to evaluate the scientific content and perceived impact of submitted papers. At GCA, the EE conducts an initial evaluation of manuscripts relative to the scope and standards of the journal, allocates manuscripts to Associate Editors, supervises a timely review process, and provides and defends final decisions regarding the acceptance or rejection of manuscripts.
An important additional responsibility of the EE is to identify, recruit, and nominate Associate Editors as needed to sustain the editorial demands of the journal, for approval by the Societies and the publisher. There are currently over 110 Associate Editors for GCA, all of whom receive complementary membership in the Geochemical Society. Further, the EE is a member of the Board of Directors of the Geochemical Society and is expected to participate in all activities of the Board. The EE also presents an overview of the state of the journal at the annual meetings of both Societies.
The EE is expected to hold a permanent position at an academic or research institution throughout the duration of the editorship. The EE may not serve as an editor-in-chief of any other journal while in the role with GCA, but is allowed to serve on other editorial boards. This position requires an estimated time commitment of at least 15 hours per week, although this may vary throughout the year and with editorial approach. The EE is nominated by the Societies to the journal’s publisher, Elsevier, who provides assistance and support in the regular operations of the journal. Financial support, typically in the form of an honorarium, is available from the publisher.
To be considered, candidates must have scientific expertise in a relevant field, experience as an associate or executive editor, and a good working knowledge of written English. Interested candidates should send a CV, including a list of publications, and a cover letter detailing previous editorial experience and why they are interested in being the GCA EE to gca@geochemsoc.org. Inquiries about the position may also be sent to this address. Consideration of applicants will begin October 1 2023 and continue until the position is filled. The Societies and Elsevier are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring.