About the journal
Agricultural and Forest Entomology is a Royal Entomological Society international journal with an audience of researchers, policymakers and professionals.
Our journal covers a wide range of topics, including research on insect pests, pollinators, and natural enemies in managed forests and agroecosystems. We welcome papers on biology, behaviour, population dynamics, impact, and management of insects in various production systems. Submissions on techniques for pest management, studies on insect communities, and the influence of management practices are encouraged.
We have recently launched several new article types, creating a space for different types of research and some innovative new formats in the journal. These new article types include methods and applications articles, policy insights, syntheses, and viewpoints. Find out more about these exciting developments here.
About you
We are seeking an active and enthusiastic researcher in the field to join our team as Commissioning Editor. The Commissioning Editor will work closely with our Editors-in-Chief and editorial board to commission and manage peer review, particularly for some of the recently launched article types. The role will involve conceptualising themes and topics for new articles, communicating with prospective authors and handling papers, with guidance and collaboration from the Editors-in-Chief.
This is a voluntary position but financial support is available to attend international conferences as an ambassador for the journal, alongside free registration for the annual RES Ento conference. We also cover the cost of RES Membership or Fellowship for one year, and offer a 50% discount in subsequent years. We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher who is committed to building the profile of the journal, seeking out interesting and high-quality articles, particularly for the new article types, and handling manuscripts with integrity.
Training for the new Commissioning Editor will be provided.
Essential criteria:
- Have an active publication record within the scope of the journal
- Have experience of reviewing research publications in the field
- Be able to work with the Editors-in-Chief actively to develop and promote the journal
- Be committed to the Royal Entomological Society vision and mission, and actively engage with it
- Show awareness of current developments in scientific publishing (e.g., open access, open data).
- Show a demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity in scientific publishing.
Desirable criteria:
- Have previous editorial experience for one or more journals in the field.
Key responsibilities:
- Identify emerging topics and work with the team actively to commission high-quality content for the new article types
- Assess submissions to the new article types for suitability, and make recommendations to the Editors-in-Chief based on advice of the editorial board and reviewers
- Promote the journal at key meetings and conferences, and support its promotion on social media
We value diversity and encourage applicants from all geographies, career levels, backgrounds and areas of society.
We welcome informal discussions about the role prior to application. Anyone interested in an informal discussion should contact the RES Managing Editor, Jayne Whiffin.
To apply please send a short covering letter and a two-page CV to RES Managing Editor Dr Jayne Whiffin
Deadline 31 August 2025
