Editor-in-Chief for Preprint Server

Job Description

The Emerging Investigators Archive eirXiv.org is a preprint server designed for students in high school (grades 9-12, ages 13-18 years) to submit their original manuscripts and receive feedback prior to publication.

The eirXiv is a grant funded project of the Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI). The Journal of Emerging Investigators is an open-access journal that publishes original research in the biological and physical sciences that is written by middle and high school students. JEI provides students, under the guidance of a teacher or advisor, the opportunity to submit and gain feedback on original research and to publish their findings in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

The Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of the eirXiv serves to lead the publication operations of the server and will occasionally collaborate with the JEI editors and team members. The EIC will manage the pipeline of submissions, reviewer assignments, hiring and training of staff, reporting, responding to questions from teachers and students, identifying issues/opportunities for development of the preprint server and ensure the submission guidelines are accurate and publicly available for students and teachers on the eirXiv website.

Consistent collaboration with the Executive Director and other team members will be important to the success of the EIC. A commitment to helping students develop writing skills, understanding the review and publication process and a belief in the work of the server is required. Confidence as the senior authority on all matters of editorial policy, decisions and scope while acting with impartiality and fairness with educators, parents, students and co-workers.

Skills & Experience

• Servant leadership with an understanding eirXiv operates through a vast network of volunteers.
• Knowledge of the typical online publishing process.
• Experience in a science, STEM, research or related field as one might obtain in completion of an advanced degree.
• Precise time management, publications branch prioritization of duties and professional email communication skills.
• Familiarity with preprint servers preferred.

Typical Responsibilities and Frequency of Work:

Daily

• Respond to general emails sent to the eirXiv
• Be a resource for editorial questions from volunteer staff

Weekly

• Work on manuscripts and assign them to reviewers.
• Check on status as needed
• Ensure timely posting of submissions

Monthly

• Check-in with volunteer staff
• Help work on manuscripts that are behind in the editorial process
• Update Submission and Publication numbers
• Staff meeting/Executive Director meeting
• Review any system issues and share with programmer/webmaster and executive director

Yearly

• Oversee training quiz and handbook updates
• Prepare a report for the programming committee
• Review any system upgrades or capital projects and share with programmer/webmaster and executive director

As needed

• Attend meetings with potential partner organizations
• Identify long term projects for eirXiv success
  • Monitor consistent author issues and develop strategies to mitigate these
• Participate in the writing of special material to promote eirXiv to potential sponsors, volunteers, or partnering organizations
• Collaborate with the webmaster for needed updates and changes
• Provide data to ED, Board, and Directors as needed

Work hours/day:

• Flexibility with some business hours and occasional evening meetings
• No holidays

Compensation

• $15,000 per year (contracted 1099)
• Grant funded position for up to four (4) years

Reporting structure

• This role interfaces with team members on the eiRxiv and JEI team members and reports to the Executive Director.

Reports to: JEI Executive Director