Call for Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Parasitology

Call for Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Parasitology

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The American Society of Parasitologists (ASP) is seeking candidates to serve in the position of editor-in- chief of the Journal of Parasitology. The selected candidate would begin his or her official term following the summer 2027 ASP meeting but would need to receive training from the current editor (Professor Rich Clopton) prior to that date.

The Journal of Parasitology is an international print and online peer-reviewed journal that was founded in 1914 and publishes papers on all aspects of parasitology, including molecular biology, organismal biology, systematics, and ecology. The Journal of Parasitology is the official journal of the ASP.

General Qualifications

The editor-in-chief should be a recognized scientist whose reputation brings prestige and visibility to the Journal of Parasitology. The ideal candidate should have significant experience in the writing, editing, and reviewing of scientific research manuscripts. A comprehensive background and broad experience in the field of parasitology is strongly desired.

The editor should be able to devote the time and energy necessary to ensure that published articles are of the highest quality and of scientific interest to the journal’s readers, including the membership of ASP. He or she should also be willing to work closely with the Associate and Consulting Editors to advance the quality and reputation of the Journal of Parasitology.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for the journal, working to ensure that articles published are of the highest quality and scientific interest, and that the peer review process proceeds smoothly.

• Direct   manuscripts to appropriate Associate Editors (who   oversee   the  reviews   of   research manuscripts), and make decisions on acceptance, rejection or revision.  In 2024, the Journal of Parasitology received 152 manuscript submissions that were handled for review by the Associate Editors.  In 2024, JP published 81 manuscripts submitted between 2022 and 2024. For any given year, JP usually accepts 60% of submitted manuscripts, rejects 30%, and the balance are withdrawn after initial review.

• Personally handle submissions that fall into special categories (for example, Book reviews, In memoria, Announcements, Award lectures, Presidential addresses).

• Work with the copy editor to ensure accuracy of content published in Journal of Parasitology.

• Recommend candidates for the positions of Associate and Consulting Editors.

• Participate, along with the Journal of Parasitology Consulting Editors, in decisions on authors’ appeals.

• In cases of potential author misconduct, conduct initial investigations and, if necessary, serve along with the consulting editors on author misconduct panels.

• Participate as a voting member of ASP’s Council.

  
  

The editor-in-chief will have access of up to $5,000 per year for the reimbursement of Journal-related expenses and receives a $10,000 institutional stipend in support of their laboratory. The editor-in-chief must be a member of ASP at the time of appointment. The term is five years, with the possibility of renewal. The current editor, Professor Clopton, will conclude his term with the 2027 ASP meeting. The ASP administrative executive secretary who assists the editor (Vickie Hennings) will step down December 31, 2027. She will assist the new executive secretary with the “December” issue in production through its completion in 2028. The new editor will choose the next executive secretary, who is paid by ASP (20+ hours/week). It will be important for the new editor to train with Professor Clopton and for the new executive secretary to train with Vickie Hennings prior to their end dates.

The deadline for applications is May 1, 2026. Interested candidates should submit the following to Professor Steve Nadler via email(sanadler@ucdavis.edu):

1. Cover letter describing their qualifications for the position, including a statement of editorial philosophy and vision for the journal;

2. Curriculum vitae;

3. Names and email addresses of three references (at least one should be a member of the ASP).

   
   

For additional information about position responsibilities, contact the Search Committee Chair, Steve Nadler.