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How can I apply to become an Editorial Board member or JMIR Editor?

JMIR Editorial Team
Updated

Each JMIR Publications journal was created to fill a critical unmet need for high-quality, open access science focused on providing vetted, rigorous research that addresses large and local problems at the intersections of each respective scope and digital health.

Consider joining our growing team of international experts who assess and handle the review process for manuscripts within their area(s) of expertise. 

When a candidate applies for an editorial position at JMIR Publications, conflicts of interest must be disclosed. How does JMIR Publications define a Conflict of Interest (COI)?

To submit an application, skip to How to apply.

  • If you are interested in a role as an Associate Editor, with primary responsibility for handling editorial decisions on manuscripts submitted to your journal, please proceed to review the sections below. See
  • If you are looking to submit a Theme Issue proposal (i.e., serve as a Guest Editor): Please visit the following links for more information: How to guest edit a theme issue and How to suggest a theme issue. Please note that you would be requested to submit a full Editor application after initial review of your theme issue proposal.
  • If you are looking to apply for any other Editorial Board roles, please note that we are also recruiting for additional positions such as Advisors. Although this role does not involve manuscript handling (i.e. making editorial decisions), we encourage you to still review the information below and submit an application for review.
  • If you have a doctoral level qualification and background (preferably digital health, health services research, public health or adjacent areas), and may be seeking a full-time editor position as a Staff Scientific Editor, please check out our Careers page and apply there. Staff Scientific Editors serve a variety of essential functions focused on aspects of supporting and ensuring the integrity and quality of articles/content published in JMIR Publications journals.

Main Tasks of Editorial Board Members

Editorial Board members are: Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Advisors. 

At any time, if any Editorial Board member is an author of a manuscript in their own journal, JMIR Publications policy requires another editor, such as a Staff Scientific Editor, to handle editorial decision-making on the manuscript. 

The main tasks of all Editorial Board (EB) members include:

  1. General ambassadorship for publishing high-quality work in JMIR Publications journals and encouraging author submissions to their journal;
  2. Strategic and operational advice or improvements.

Associate Editor

The Associate Editor is responsible for guiding papers in their area of expertise through the peer review process and communicating with authors. For some JMIR Publications journals, an Associate Editor may be responsible for manuscripts submitted to one or more specific section(s) (or themes) in the journal. They should inform the EIC and Managing Editor of a journal how many manuscripts they are able to handle during the month or year.

All prospective editors are strongly encouraged to complete the COPE eLearning module: Introduction to Publication Ethics. Additionally, COPE offers a Short Guide to Ethical Editing for New Editors.

Editor-in-Chief

Editors-in-Chief (EICs) of JMIR Publications journals are appointed by the Publisher. EICs have distinct responsibilities apart from those listed above. Specifically, an EIC also: 

  • Serves as a strategic leader of the journal, which may include and not be limited only to development of the journal's scope/focus;
  • Recruits or identifies for recruitment a diverse of experts to the Editorial Board;
  • Adjudicates and advises on issues that may arise in relation to specific manuscripts, authors, peer reviewers, and/or EB members;
  • Sets or refines, in collaboration with their EB;  — journal-specific policies, such as the scope, sections, article types;
  • Adheres to and enforces ethical editing practices; 
  • Handles manuscripts and also also identifies appropriate EB members to handle manuscripts; 
  • Chairs EB meetings (virtual meetings);
  • Identifies high-quality and rigorous scientific work from authors for the journal for peer review and publication; 
  • Assists in identifying leading edge theme issues for the journal; 
  • Publishes editorials commenting on significant trends and works in scope for the journal;
  • Serves as an advocate for the journal, e.g., during conferences, on social media, and elsewhere. 

Applicant Criteria

For most JMIR Publications journals, we are continuously accepting applications from senior researchers to join the Editorial Board. Generally, although not exclusively, for most journals, the applicant should meet most of the criteria listed below. Applicants:

If an applicant does not fulfill these criteria (yet), applying to serve as a Guest Editor for a theme issue is possible. Typically, in such a case, a theme issue proposal should be first submitted for review. This is a great first step to gain experience as editor (see How to guest edit a theme issue and How to suggest a theme issue).

Early career scientists may apply at an earlier stage of career. Some journals may offer positions suitable for those early in their careers, e.g., through editorial fellowships. 

How to Apply 

Step 1: Read our EB policy by following the "Editorial Board Policy" link in the footer of each JMIR journal or via the Publishing Policies menu on the journal page (For example: Editorial Board Policy for the Journal of Medical Internet Research or Editorial Board Policy for JMIR Medical Informatics. Each journal adheres to a similar Editorial Board policy. The applicant should navigate to the Editorial Board Policy page for the relevant journal(s) to which they are applying.)

Step 2: If you meet the requirements in our policy,

Submit an EB application using our application form.

The journal's Managing Editor will be in contact regarding next steps after review of your application. Please note that submitting an updated curriculum vitae that includes highlights of current and past editorial experience is strongly advised to expedite application review. 

  • Note that when submitting an application, an applicant can only apply to one primary JMIR Publications journal Editorial Board. 

Honorarium

Benefits and/or honoraria are determined based upon the role to which a candidate applies. Work as an Associate Editor or as an Advisor is honorary, although there are benefits available for EB members. See the One-page overview of the responsibilities of an Associate Editor.

Related Links

General Resources for Editors / EB members

 

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