Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies 

 

Editor-in-Chief – Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies 

The Institute of Classical Studies (ICS) invites applications for the position of Editor-in-Chief of its peer-reviewed journal, Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies. 

Established in 1954, Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies is a highly regarded and reputable journal in Classics. It offers an international forum for the publication of cutting-edge and interdisciplinary research in all areas of classical studies broadly defined, including archaeology, with a commitment to quality. In recent years, the journal has published only solicited guest-edited themed issues. It has recently constituted a new, international editorial board and is now looking to move to publishing a mixture of general and themed issues, with a view to capturing a greater range of research at the cutting edge of the discipline. Recent themed issues have been published on ancient history, philology, literature, culture, art, archaeology, and reception. 

The incoming Editor will lead the journal, in close collaboration with the ICS, our Publisher (Oxford University Press), BICS’s international editorial board, and the wider editorial team (i.e. Managing Editor). This will form the supportive editorial and professional network of the journal, which is overseen by the ICS Director (as General Editor of Institute Publications) and the ICS Publications Committee. The Editor will be an ambassador for the journal throughout the international research community and will be principally responsible for the journal’s vision and editorial direction. 

Tenure of an anticipated three-year commitment (renewable by mutual agreement) will begin on or as soon as possible after April 3^rd, 2023. 

Candidates should have a strong record of scholarship in an area of classical studies, a broad base of knowledge in the field, demonstrated leadership and communication skills, and appropriate time to devote to the journal. A strong understanding of publishing ethics and knowledge of scholarly developments (including Open Access) are desirable. Previous editorial experience and the ability to clearly articulate a compelling vision for the journal are other key factors on which candidates will be evaluated. We are open to receiving applications on a job-share basis from prospective Co-Editors who are interested in undertaking this role as a team. 

The Editor will receive an honorarium of £5000 per annum in recognition of their work. For co-editorship the honorarium total will be split between co-Editors.  

 

Editor Role and Responsibilities 

The primary responsibilities of the Editor are to provide editorial leadership and strategic stewardship of the journal and to guide the journal’s editorial direction. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Editor ensures the journal’s content fulfills the journal vision, provides value to its readership and reflects the highest standards of integrity; the Editor also ensures journal operations are conducted in accordance with industry standards and best ethical and publishing practices.  

The initial tenure of this appointment will be three years, renewable by mutual agreement by mutual agreement between the Editor(s) and the ICS. 

In overseeing the journal’s content and operations, the Editors specific responsibilities are as follows: 

• Work closely with the ICS, Publisher, Publications Committee, BICS editorial board, and wider editorial team on journal vision and setting priorities.  
• Ensure that all articles accepted for publication have undergone a rigorous, objective, and timely peer review process. This includes organizing the second-stage peer review for guest-edited themed issues and will include peer review of general submissions.  
• Act as final arbiter, determining acceptance or rejection of all materials submitted for potential publication and ensure a steady supply of high-quality content. 
• Enroll and maintain an active, well respected, and technically competent Editorial Board whose members reflect geographical, demographic and cultural diversity and multidisciplinary expertise. 
• Ensure active engagement of the journal’s Editorial Board through regular communication and routine review of board members’ performance. This will include an annual editorial board meeting. 
• Uphold recognized standards of high quality and ethical practice for scholarly publications 
• Enroll and maintain qualified reviewers with diverse areas of expertise to consistently contribute to the peer review process by judging the merit of submissions. 
• Ensure the journal’s content is valuable to its readership and contributes to growth in journal usage and submissions. 
• Communicate clearly, effectively, promptly, and courteously with authors, reviewers, editors, and journal staff. 
• Cooperate with editorial and publisher staff to ensure timely publication of journal issues, effective marketing initiatives, and efficient workflows throughout the production process.  
• Handle publication ethics issues and allegations of misconduct promptly, courteously, confidentially, and in accordance with recognized guidelines and best practices, seeking counsel on serious matters from the journal’s Publisher. Please note Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies is a member of COPE and subscribes to COPE guidance on ethical matters. 

 

Application Process 

Interested applicants should submit their applications before 28 February 2023. Application is via a curriculum vitae and covering letter; the letter should address all the application questions listed below (indicative word limits given for each section). Applicants should also ask two referees to send letters of recommendation to the address given below by the same date. 

All applications will be reviewed by the ICS Publications Committee in line with the journal’s policy on equality, diversity and inclusion.  

Application questions:   

• Vision for Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies [300-word limit]  
• Reasons for your interest in this position [300-word limit]  
• Brief description of research and/or interests and current fields of activity [100-word limit]  
• Prior editorial experience, including work in the following roles: Editor, Associate Editor, and/or Editorial Board Member of a journal [100-word limit]  
• Brief description of leadership positions held [100-word limit]  
• Estimate of the amount of time per week that can be devoted to the position  
• Other personal qualifications and/or comments that may be relevant for the selection committee [300-word limit]  

 

Please address your applications, including CV, to Professor Katherine Harloe, ICS Director, and submit them electronically to [log in to unmask] by 28 February 2023. Referees should send their letters of recommendation to the same address. 

This editorial appointment will not constitute a contract of employment and accordingly the appointee shall be fully responsible for and shall indemnify the University of London for and in respect of any and all taxes including income tax, national insurance, social security contributions, corporation tax, value added tax and any other liability, deduction, contribution, assessment or claim arising from or made in connection with any payment or benefit received by the appointee in respect of the Award, where such recovery is not prohibited by law. The appointee may wish to take independent personal tax advice on how to treat this income in their own tax returns. The University of London is unable to provide personal advice but payment gross should not be taken to indicate that this income is not taxable in the appointee’s own tax return.