The Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (SMBE) is looking for an evolutionary biologist with an active research program to co-lead its journal Genome Biology and Evolution (GBE) as a co-editor in chief alongside Professor Laura Katz. Professor Adam Eyre-Walker’s term will end December 31 2024, and we are seeking a replacement EIC to serve alongside Professor Katz. The EiCs have the opportunity and responsibility to contribute to the advancement of our field and the success of the journal, hence SMBE itself. The EiCs oversee the running of the journal with a focus on scientific content and smooth operations. They also serve as ex officio on the SMBE council to contribute to strategic discussions and deliberations on academic publishing. The SMBE Council appoints the EiCs. Oxford University Press currently publishes GBE.

The term of the new EiC will begin no later than January 2025.

Genome Biology and Evolution (GBE) publishes leading original research at the interface between evolutionary biology and genomics. Papers considered for publication report novel evolutionary findings that concern natural genome diversity, population genomics, the structure, function, organisation and expression of genomes, comparative genomics, proteomics, and environmental genomic interactions. Major evolutionary insights from the fields of computational biology, structural biology, developmental biology, and cell biology are also considered, as are theoretical advances in the field of genome evolution. GBE's scope embraces genome-wide evolutionary investigations at all taxonomic levels and for all forms of life — within populations or across domains. Its aims are to further the understanding of genomes in their evolutionary context and further the understanding of evolution from a genome-wide perspective.

The EiC roles and responsibilities include:

• Nominating senior and associate editors to the editorial board. The SMBE Council provides the final approval. 
• Ensuring that the composition of the editorial board reflects the SMBE policy and practice of equality, diversity, and inclusion;
• Has the ultimate responsibility for decision-making on manuscript acceptances, appeals, and scientific-fit with the journal;
• Making strategic decisions regarding the journal publication strategy and quality control; and,
• Promoting GBE content to the public and all relevant scientific communities.

The initial appointment will be for a term of 4 years, the terms of which will be laid out in a contract signed with SMBE under the guidance of our publisher. Under the SMBE bylaws, an individual cannot serve more than two terms in all SMBE journals combined.

Interested candidates may contact Stephen Wright (Stephen.wright@utoronto.ca) with informal inquiries or directly apply by email to the same address. The application must include the following information:

i.   Description of your research/knowledge/experience relevant to the field of the journal

ii.  Description of editorial experience

iii. Description of previous involvement with SMBE and/or the journals

iv. Vision for the journal

v.  Additionally, please indicate your availability for a (virtual) interview

The appointment process will be conducted transparently and according to the following guidelines: Council will appoint a subcommittee; the subcommittee will read all applications and shortlist interview candidates; after interviews, the subcommittee will take an anonymous vote and make a recommendation to the Council. The SMBE Council will make the final appointment decision.

Applications must be received no later than 30 August 2024. If no suitable applications are received, SMBE reserves the right to reopen the application window.