Editors-in-Chief Request for Applications

1. Direct the peer-review process in the following ways:
   • Assign new manuscripts to associate editors (AEs) via the online manuscript management system.  
   • Lead a weekly conference call with the board of editors to discuss and approve preliminary decisions. The EIC retains final authority over and responsibility for those decisions.  
   • Work with AGA staff to ensure that the peer review processes are efficient and fair and journal policies are enforced.  
   • Be alert for and, in cooperation with AGA staff, manage violations of ethical policies including plagiarism, duplicate submission/publication and failure to disclose relevant conflicts of interest.  
2. Field personally or triage as necessary to the board of editors and AGA staff all incoming communications related to journal content and publication policies or decisions. (Communications received by AGA staff will likewise be referred to the editor or others as appropriate).  
3. Develop the table of contents for each issue.  
4. In cooperation with AGA staff:
   • Participate in any exercises initiated by AGA staff to change the physical quality, style and appearance of the journal. All design modifications must align with the AGA brand policy.  
   • Suggest and evaluate new initiatives related to content (type and delivery), policies and practices.  
   • Develop the budget for the EIC’s onsite editorial office.  
5. Attend all publications committee meetings (there are two in-person meetings, one at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) and one in September, and teleconferences as needed).  
6. Appoint an appropriate number of qualified associate, section and biostatistical editors (duties as described previously) and coordinate their activities, and recommend editorial board members.  
7. Lead annual board of editors meeting at DDW to review journal metrics and the publisher’s report and to discuss future initiatives.  
8. In cooperation with editorial staff and the medical illustration and graphics team, develop the content and concept for each month’s cover.  
9. In cooperation with AGA staff and editors of other AGA journals, select two fellows annually to receive training and mentorship on journal operations, as well as scientific publishing in general.   

Applicants must demonstrate an outstanding record of scientific achievement as evidenced by publications and professional activities and possess a comprehensive understanding of biomedical publication issues and processes, to include online submission, review and publication. Experience in the operation of a scientific journal as an EIC or AE is desirable.

It is anticipated that the new EIC will be located at an academic institution and will hold a full-time, nationally and internationally recognized position (e.g. professor faculty-equivalent and/or major administrative leadership position). 

The new EIC will serve a five-year term from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2027, and will receive a $40,000 annual honorarium.

See complete RFA for additional responsibilities and requirements.

To be considered for this position, applicants should provide the following by April 1, 2021:

1. A current curriculum vitae.
2. A completed AGA Institute Potential Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement.
3. A summary of how you would ensure relevance of Gastroenterology to AGA constituencies, including clinical investigators, clinicians and trainees (not to exceed two pages).
4. The specific objectives you want to achieve over the duration of your term (not to exceed two pages).
5. Strategies to increase readership, reputation and impact factor (not to exceed two pages).
6. Your approach to maintaining the quality, accuracy and fairness of the review process (not to exceed two pages).
7. An evaluation of Gastroenterology’s current content, organization, physical appearance and policies, along with recommendations for change, if any (not to exceed three pages).
8. A description of the current issues facing the field of scientific publishing and how those issues might affect Gastroenterology (examples include pre-print servers, the push for open access business models, transparency, alternative metrics to the impact factor, predatory publishers, etc.) (not to exceed two pages)
9. A description of the number and type of associate, section and biostatistical editors deemed necessary, and the specific people planned for these positions, along with their areas of interest and the institutions with which they are affiliated. It is vital that the board of editors reflects the makeup of the GI community. To that end, and to align with AGA’s efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion, we strongly encourage you consider the gender, race, ethnicity, and geographic location of the individuals you select for your board. For more information on the demographic breakdown of the GI community contact Brook Simpson, [email protected].  Biosketches of each editor must be included. The application should include letters of interest/commitment from the appointees. Please note that your proposed AEs must comply with the AGA’s conflict of interest policy — that is to say, they cannot serve on the boards of editors of competing journals or have co-existing major leadership positions in other major gastroenterology-related organizations. Please take this into consideration when you are selecting your AEs.
10. A budget for your office expenses.
11. Your vision for how the AGA journals (Gastroenterology, CGH, CMGH and TIGE) can work collaboratively (not to exceed one page).
12. Any other information you deem appropriate.

Any questions should be directed to Brook Simpson, senior publications manager, [email protected], 301-941-9782.