Call for Editor-in-Chief, Earth Science, Systems and Society (ES3)
The Geological Society of London (GSL) is looking for a new Editor-in-Chief for their fully open access, peer reviewed international journal, Earth Science, Systems and Society (ES3) – to commence January 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in helping to shape this topical, high-quality journal, to embrace new ideas and ways of working, engage with and influence the geoscience community and, more broadly, mobilise communities around themes of societal importance.
The Editor-in-Chief will be enthusiastic about the subject scope, the editorial values and aspirations for the journal and come with a vision for how to implement these. Ideally, the Editor-in-Chief will have previous experience of a lead editorial role. It is desirable that the Editor-in-Chief will be active in the community and proactive in mobilising their own international network in support of the journal.
The Editor-in-Chief will be responsible for overseeing all editorial aspects of ES3, supported by an existing Deputy Editor and an international Editorial Board. In collaboration with GSL, the Editor-in-Chief will set the strategic direction for the journal. Principal areas for input will include:
- maintaining ES3 as a leading publication of high-calibre research and content, publishing 30-50 papers per volume that showcase the relevance of geoscience to sustainability in society across the full range of Earth and planetary sciences, with content from both academia and industry;
- editorial oversight, supporting the Editorial Board and thematic collection Guest Editors in their handling of peer review, based on a rigorous and transparent model;
- overseeing rolling recruitment and structuring of the Editorial Board, to ensure subject coverage and diversity, and providing clear leadership through effective communications and meetings;
- ensuring representation and encouraging a culture of inclusivity in all aspects of journal activity through appropriate policy and practice;
- establishing a proactive approach to the commissioning of high calibre research from leading authors;
- demonstrating best practice in publishing, in accordance with GSL’s Code of Publishing Ethics and COPE guidelines;
- promotion of, and advocacy for, ES3 in related professional activities and collaboration with the journal’s marketing team.
The level of time commitment for the role is estimated to be in the region of half a day per week, to be discussed and mutually agreed with the successful candidate. This is an honorary role and no payment will be made. However an annual travel stipend will be available to support attendance at conferences and events for journal advocacy and development work.
The ES3 Editor-in-Chief will become a member of the GSL Publications and Information Committee, which meets three times a year. Committee meetings are held virtually and ES3 Editor-in-Chief involvement is expected.
ES3 is a global journal and applicants do not need to be based in the UK or be an existing GSL Fellow, but they should be willing to become a Fellow if successfully appointed to the role.
Application process:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, their CV, and their vision statement for the journal to esss@geolsoc.org.uk by midnight, UK time, on 14 July 2025.
Your vision statement for the journal should be no longer than two pages and should cover:
- Where you believe the field is going, and the journal’s place within it
- How you would work in partnership with the Editorial Board
- How you would maintain and increase the quality of submissions
- How you would work with authors
For any questions about the position or for an informal discussion please contact esss@geolsoc.org.uk