ACT is the premier journal for cutting-edge applied research and development work focused on commercialization of engineered ceramics, products, and processes. The editor-in-chief, along with the editorial team and staff, works to publish the highest quality articles fulfilling the aims and scope of the journal in a timely fashion while ensuring the high ethical standards of the ACerS journals and the Society.
The editor-in-chief is an active scientist who is well-known and respected in their discipline. They actively engage the best researchers to have their work published in ACT and to act as manuscript reviewers.
Key functions of the editor-in-chief
Advance applied ceramics research excellence
Communicates and promotes vision, aims, and scope of ACT to all stakeholders
Participates in conferences, public discussions, and ACerS events
Acts as an ambassador to the author/reviewer/scientist through personal interactions and social media
Actively solicits manuscripts from leading practitioners
Works with ACerS staff on questions of ethics for submitted work
Manuscript review process leadership
Sets standards for quality and timeliness of the review process
Recruits, trains, provides guidance for, and assess performance of the co-equal editors and associate editors
Oversees the assignment of manuscripts to editors, including the editor-in-chief, to achieve technical alignment and balance workloads
Monitors status of manuscripts and, when necessary, reminds editors, authors, and reviewers of time sensitivities
Arbitrates disagreements between authors and editors
Active engagement
Leads meetings of the ACT editorial board and attends the annual ACerS-Wiley strategy meeting
Works with staff on journal marketing programs
Provides ideas, recommendations, and feedback to create a positive impact on all facets of the journal
Keeps the ACerS Publications Committee apprised of the status, initiatives, and issues affecting the journal by participating as an invited guest
Characteristics of an effective editor-in-chief
High personal standards
Highly respected among peers, including the international community, for their active research work
Previous editorial experience, especially in a decision-making capacity, but not currently participating on editorial boards of journals with similar scope and target audience
Wide knowledge of subjects within scope of ACT and those working in it
Enthusiastic, energetic and committed
Effective and positive communicator
Strong leader, good sense of teamwork
Ability to work effectively with diverse viewpoints and approaches
Respects confidential information
Cooperative and open-minded
Effectively resolves misunderstandings
Firm decision-maker
Promptly and effectively follows through
Explores and embraces innovative technologies
The editor-in-chief is a part-time position. Although this position is part of the journal volunteer structure, the editor-in-chief will receive a stipend and have a small travel budget.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please email a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and your vision for moving ACT forward, along with your CV, by Dec. 31, 2024, to Jonathon Foreman, ACerS journals managing editor, at jforeman@ceramics.org.
