The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) is seeking an outstanding scientific leader to serve as Co Editor-in-Chief (Co-EiC) for the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (JSFA) to serve alongside Professor Sandra Schmöckel (University of Hohenheim). JSFA is a high impact, international journal at the forefront of applied research in agri-culture, food science, and related disciplines.
About the Role
As Co-EiC, you will a strategic and editorial leader of JSFA, responsible for the quality, integrity, and impact of all published content. You will guide journal development, champion excellence in the field, and act as an ambassador for JSFA within the global research community and the SCI network. Working in close collaboration with SCI, the Publisher, the Director of Publishing, and the Editorial Board, you will help define the journal’s editorial vision, uphold best practices in peer review and publication ethics, and ensure efficient, timely manuscript handling.
This is a contracted, non-employment position subject to honorarium with significant autonomy and visibility.
Key Responsibilities
Editorial Leadership
- Uphold and implement SCI’s editorial policies, aims, and scope.
- Make final decisions on the acceptance of manuscripts based on scientific merit and journal relevance.
- Maintain excellence in editorial standards, publication ethics, and peer review integrity.
Content Strategy & Development
- Solicit the submission of high-quality research articles, reviews, special issues, and other features.
- Build and maintain strong relationships within the scientific community to at-tract relevant content.
- Prepare annual editorials and lead strategic content initiatives.
- To arrange for and supervise the independent, objective, and unbiased peer re-view in accordance with the peer review policies set by the Society.
- Step in when needed to support editors to keep workflows on track.
Team & Community Engagement
- Lead the editorial team and work with SCI to ensure the editorial board has the breadth and expertise required.
- Chair editorial board meetings and contribute to professional outreach efforts with SCI staff.
- Represent the journal at international conferences, enhancing the Journal’s profile.
Collaboration & Governance
- Partner with the Director of Publishing and the Publisher to implement journal development plans.
- Provide regular reporting and recommendations related to journal scope, edito-rial board appointments, and strategic direction.
- Work within agreed budgets.
About You
We are seeking a distinguished scientist and recognised leader in a field relevant to JSFA, with:
Professional Expertise
- A PhD and extensive experience as a research scientist, ideally with postdoctoral and laboratory leadership experience.
- A strong publication record, including high-impact research and reviews.
- Experience bridging academia and industry or working on industry-relevant ap-plied research (highly desirable).
- Regular participation as a speaker or committee member at international conferences.
Editorial & Leadership Skills
- Prior editorial experience or familiarity with online peer review systems.
- Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
- The ability to inspire and lead an editorial team.
- A broad appreciation of the diverse fields covered by JSFA, including translational science.
- High professional and ethical standards in line with COPE best practices (https://publicationethics.org/).
Professional Attributes
- A global network of scientific contacts.
- Commitment to promoting the journal worldwide.
- Willingness to travel to conferences and engage with the community.
Why Join Us?
As the JSFA co-EiC, you will:
- Play an influential role in shaping one of SCI’s most respected journals.
- Support the advancement of scientific knowledge with real world impact.
- Collaborate with an engaged global community of researchers, industry leaders, and innovators.
- Gain international visibility and leadership experience within scholarly publishing.
About the Society of Chemical Industry
SCI is a multidisciplinary not-for-profit established in 1881 that connects scientists, in-dustrialists, and entrepreneurs to accelerate scientific innovation out of the lab and into industry, for the benefit of society. Operating as a registered charity with headquarters in London and members in over 70 countries, SCI focuses on driving sustainable inno-vation in areas such as agrisciences, energy, health, and materials. As well as organis-ing educational events, SCI awards several prestigious honours and scholarships each year, publishes peer-reviewed journals, and provides Members with news from their sectors in the respected magazine, Chemistry & Industry.
Application Process
To express interest in this position, please contact SCI’s Publishing team at publications@soci.org with:
- A CV highlighting your research, editorial, and leadership experience
- A cover letter outlining your vision for the Journal of the Science of Food and Agri-culture and why you’d be suitable for the role.
Application deadline: Friday 1st May 2026