Editor-in-Chief

Submitted: 02/07/2025
Submitted By: Ripan S. Malhi
Department: American Journal of Biological Anthropology
Institution: American Association of Biological Anthropologists
Job type: Other
Apply by: 03/31/2025
Application Email: malhi@illinois.edu
Application URL:

Vacancy: American Journal of Biological Anthropology – Editor-in-Chief

Job Description:
The American Journal of Biological Anthropology (AJBA), the official Journal of the American Association of Biological Anthropologists (AABA), published by Wiley, seeks a new Editor-in-Chief. The Editor-in-Chief oversees the peer review of manuscripts and is ultimately responsible for all editorial decisions made at the Journal. In addition, she/he/they manage the editorial board, develop and update journal policies and author guidelines, ensure the Journal follows the highest standard of publication ethics, commission high-quality review articles and topical special issues, and work closely with the Publisher, editorial office and production staff at Wiley, and with the AABA. The position begins formally in January 2026, but ideally will have an editorial transition starting October 2025. The new Editor-in-Chief will be the 16th editor of our over hundred-year-old journal and will serve a six-year term.

The Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Biological Anthropology shall:
• ensure the high quality and integrity of the Journal.
• maintain high scientific standards in the peer-review process and ensure that the Journal adheres to ethical standards.
• ensure efficient handling of manuscripts by the Associate Editors (and the Editorial Board members) and maintain frequent communication with the Wiley production team once the papers are approved for publication.
• lead the Editorial Board, chair the annual editorial board meeting, revise the composition of the Editorial Board based on performance and need, and recruit and mentor new members.
• work closely with the President of the AABA and the Association’s Publication Committee. The Editor-in-Chief of AJBA is an official member of the AABA Executive Committee.
• support the preparation and realization of strategic editorial plans to maintain/increase the status and visibility of the Journal.
• actively work to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the publication process.
• collaborate with the marketing staff at Wiley on the promotion of the Journal.
• solicit articles and special issues in consultation with the Senior Associate Editors and the Editorial Board.
• drive the Journal’s development, including revising the aims and scope and implementing new article types as needed.
• develop and update journal policies and author guidelines as needed.
• monitor the competitive landscape of publishing in the field of biological anthropology.
• engage new technologies to advance journal efficiency, impact, and diversity.
• prepare an annual report on the status of the Journal.
• represent the public face of the Journal, e.g., at national and international scientific meetings, including annual meetings.

Desired Attributes:
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Strong organizational ability.
• Prior experience with academic journal editing (e.g., Associate Editor, Associate Editorship, journal board member), including experience with online editorial systems.
• An active researcher with an extensive publication record.
• A recognized expert in the field, with a broad appreciation for the diverse fields of Biological Anthropology.
• A wide sphere of influence and range of contacts in the field of Biological Anthropology.
• Commitment to engaging technological innovations to advance publishing/dissemination of the journal.
• Willingness to travel to conferences to promote and acquire content for the journal.
• High professional and ethical standards.
• Previous administrative experience is desirable.

Application process:
The submission deadline is March 31, 2025, although interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please submit a CV, cover letter, and one page vision statement on or before the deadline to: Ripan S. Malhi at malhi@illinois.edu.

About the American Journal of Biological Anthropology:
The American Journal of Biological Anthropology (AJBA) is the leading publication in biological anthropology. The Journal contributes to an understanding of the adaptations, variability, and evolution of human beings and their living and fossil relatives throughout the order Primates. The Journal publishes articles within an anthropological or evolutionary context in the areas of bioarcheology, paleoanthropology, skeletal biology, genetics, human biology, and non-human primate behavior and ecology.

About the American Association of Biological Anthropologists:
The American Association of Biological Anthropologists, or AABA, is the world’s leading professional organization for biological anthropologists. Formed by 83 charter members in 1930, the AABA now has an international membership of over 2,200. The Association’s annual meetings draw more than two thousand scientists and students from all over the world. The AABA seeks to advance understanding of the evolutionary history and diversity of the human and primate lineages, their biology, and life experiences through time. As part of promoting a rigorous and responsible science, AABA aims to foster communication, collaboration, and inclusion within and beyond our membership, and to promote public understanding of our field of study.