The New Phytologist Foundation is launching a new Open Access plant science journal that aims to publish high-quality research across the broad spectrum of plant sciences and its applications. As a journal owned by The New Phytologist Foundation, the new title will support the international plant science community through rigorous peer review, and outstanding service to authors, reviewers and readers. The Foundation also ensures that all excess revenues from its publishing activities are reinvested into the plant science research community.
The new title will consider submissions of original research and reviews that span the entire spectrum of plant sciences from genetics, molecular and cellular biology, physiology, development and biochemistry to plant biotic and abiotic interactions at all levels, ecology and environmental studies, evolution and biotechnology. This is not an exhaustive list, and the journal will consider all research that considers a fundamental aspect of plant biology.
We are seeking an Editor-in-Chief to help shape the new journal and define the editorial strategy of the journal. The Editor-in-Chief will also be involved in Foundation activities as a member of the Board of Trustees, including making decisions on which symposia, workshops and grants will be supported. They report twice annually to the Trustees on the journal’s progress and strategic direction. The Editor-in-Chief also chairs the (typically annual) journal Editorial Board meeting.
The New Phytologist Foundation Trustees would like to hear from suitably qualified plant scientists to lead the launch of the journal and spearhead the journal’s development. Full information is given in the journal details, key duties and essential criteria, below.
The appointment is for an initial five-year term. An annual editorial support package will be made available to the successful candidate.
Application process
Applicants should register their interest by completing the application form, where they will be asked to provide a brief description of their career to date, their vision for the journal, and their suitability for the role. Deadline: 15 September 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full CV and make a short presentation to the selection committee, which consists of New Phytologist Foundation Trustees, officers and Editors of the journal. Presentations are expected to take place in late September 2026.
Queries are welcomed and can be directed to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Professor Keith Lindsey.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Key duties and essential criteria
Key duties
The Editor-in-Chief will be responsible for leading and overseeing the journal’s editorial policy, vision, scientific direction and strategy. Supported by the Trustees, Central Office team and wider Editorial Board, the Editor-in-Chief will ensure that the journal’s content and associated activities support the mission of The New Phytologist Foundation to serve the global plant science community. The initial term of office is five years.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Editor-in-Chief will also contribute to the Foundation’s activities, including making decisions on which symposia, workshops and grants to support. They report twice annually to the Trustees on the journal’s progress and strategic direction.
Editorial and strategic leadership
Provide editorial leadership and oversight to launch, grow and develop the journal, in line with the Foundation’s ethos of supporting the international plant science community
Develop the journal into a leading venue for the publication of quality original research and review articles across the plant sciences
In collaboration with Foundation Trustees and staff, devise, articulate and execute a strategic plan for the journal’s success, with support from the Editorial Board and Central Office team
Identify key subject areas, emerging and established, on which the journal should focus, and appoint suitably qualified researchers as Editors to support these areas
Contribute to shaping the Editorial Board structure
Appoint individuals to the Editorial and Advisory Boards, taking advice from Editorial Board colleagues, ensuring broad subject coverage and diversity in representation
Maintain regular communication with the Editorial Board about journal development, key metrics and strategic priorities
Organise and chair an annual Editorial Board meeting, with the full administrative support of the Central Office team
Liaise with the publishers and Trustees on matters of publishing strategy, policy and direction
Attend scheduled meetings with Central Office staff and Trustees where appropriate to discuss ongoing developments in publishing and to ensure that the journal meets its strategic development aims
Operational excellence
With the support of the Central Office team, oversee the review process for the journal, ensuring a robust, timely and fair peer-review process, and provide advice on emerging issues when required
Lead on the resolution of research integrity concerns, working with the Central Office team and publisher, as appropriate
Work with the Central Office team to monitor key journal metrics and to ensure processes and workflows are optimised
Ensure calibration and consistency of decision-making across the journal, in collaboration with the Editorial Board
Provide advice and guidance on matters of editorial process to Editors and journal staff, for example appeals/rebuttals, ensuring a fair process and upholding the Foundation’s high-quality standards for scientific integrity
Outreach and promotion
Meet regularly with the Chair of the Foundation to discuss journal business
Represent the journal and The New Phytologist Foundation at international plant science events
Contribute to selecting proposals for funding by The New Phytologist Foundation
Liaise with the Editors-in-Chief of New Phytologist and Plants, People, Planet to ensure commonality of purpose and strategy in the support of The New Phytologist Foundation’s goals
Contribute to the work of The New Phytologist Foundation as a member of the Board of Trustees
Essential criteria
Research and publishing experience
An active research programme, with a strong publication record and deep knowledge of their subject area, as well as a broad understanding of the scientific issues across the whole spectrum of plant sciences
Extensive editorial experience and familiarity with the scholarly publishing process
Knowledge of, and interest in, wider issues in scholarly publishing
An extensive network of international plant science researchers and the ability to maintain and expand these networks, particularly with respect to recruiting new Editorial Board members
Communication and leadership skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain and develop relationships with Central Office colleagues, Editorial Board members, authors and reviewers to enhance the journal's reputation and support its growth
Outstanding communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and in different formats
Proven leadership skills, and the ability to maintain confidentiality when working with the journal’s community on sensitive matters
Ability to handle complex and sensitive matters efficiently and with discretion
Excellent organisational skills, including an ability to work to tight deadlines and manage competing priorities
Recognition of the unique attributes and unique role of The New Phytologist Foundation and the plant science research community it serves
The deadline for applications is 15 September 2026.