Associate Editor (Blog) – Functional Ecology

Functional Ecologists is the widely-read blog for Functional Ecology, receiving roughly 30,000 views a year. We are currently looking for a new Blog Editor, with a broad interest in animal ecology, to continue delivering high-quality content on the blog. As well as highlighting journal content, the blog is a platform for discussing topics of more general interest to our readership and ecologists in general. The role takes ~2 hours per week and is unpaid, but the successful candidate will receive all of the benefits that the journal’s Associate Editors receive. We welcome applicants from any career stage and applicants from anywhere in the world are welcome to apply.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with our current Blog Editor, gain experience in commissioning, writing and editing – as well as having early access to articles on papers that advance the development of ecological theory or methodologies, generate ecological insights beyond the specific study system and address broad or pressing ecological questions

“I thoroughly enjoy working with authors to explore ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of their papers, which offers a unique writing perspective. I also appreciate the freedom to create posts based around my research area and generate content for international days.” – Chloe Robinson, editor for methods.blog

Details

Position: Part time, initial 1 year term
Salary: Voluntary
Working pattern: 8-10 hours per month, one monthly meeting
Location: Anywhere (fully remote)
Closing date: Friday 17th May 2024
Interviews: Late May via Microsoft Teams

Responsibilities and Duties

Commissioning, editing and writing content for the blog:

• The Editor will be expected to commission or write at least 2-3 blog posts per month (working with the current blog editor, Dr Hugo Saiz). These may range from posts by authors on their recently published articles, broader pieces on trends or debates in fields covered by the journal or community-focused pieces.
• For commissioned posts, the Editor will proofread and edit draft posts before they are published to ensure that they meet the quality requirements and fit with the style and tone of the blog. Guidance and support will be provided by the journal’s Assistant Editor.
• Applicants with an interest in video/podcasting will have the option to conduct author interviews for the journal’s YouTube and podcast channel

Discussing content plans with the Assistant Editor:

• There will be a quarterly online meeting to discuss upcoming plans and develop new ideas for the blog. The editor will need to prepare ideas in advance of these meetings

Promoting the blog and specific blog posts

• The editor will promote the blog posts on the journal’s social media accounts. There will be support for this from the Assistant Editor
• When attending relevant conferences, meetings, workshops, etc. the Editor may also be asked to promote the journal and blog. Materials will be provided for this

Qualifications and Skills

Qualifications

• At least an undergraduate degree in evolutionary biology or ecology
• Experience of writing for a scientific blog

Skills

• Excellent written English
• Great communication
• Keen eye for detail
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Applicants with an interest in podcasting and video editing are preferred, but not required

Benefits:

This is an unpaid position. However, the Blog Editor will receive the same benefits provided to the Associate Editors for Functional Ecology. These include:

• Free membership to the British Ecological Society for one year (with discounted membership after that). See here for the benefits of BES membership
• Free registration to the British Ecological Society annual meeting
• Discount on Wiley books
• Excellent opportunity to gain experience in writing, commissioning and editing
• Networking opportunities at BES events

How to Apply:

To apply, please send a CV and a covering letter briefly detailing why you are interested and any relevant experience you may have to Amelia Macho, admin@functionalecology.org by Friday the 17th of May 2024