The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies, the leading international neurosurgical society organization, is launching a new journal, WFNS Journal, and is actively seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Editor-in-Chief.

Position Summary

The Editor-in-Chief (EIC) sets the editorial direction and is responsible for implementing the editorial policies of the WFNS Journal. The EIC is expected to have a broad knowledge of neurosurgery, be skilled in the arts of writing, editing, critical assessment, negotiation, and diplomacy, and possess a clearly articulated vision for the journals.

The EIC reports to the WFNS Administrative Council (AC). The EIC will be expected to uphold the professional Code of Ethics pertaining to biomedical publications (see https://wame.org/editorial-independence, https://publicationethics.org/core-practices). The EIC will have editorial freedom with authority over, but not limited to, board appointments, content solicitation and decisions, the peer review process, and issue lineups. In collaboration with the AC, the EIC will develop and update the Journal’s aims and scope to uphold and enhance the portfolio’s editorial quality, relevance, online engagement, and bibliometrics. The EIC will represent the Journal at relevant forums as its prime ambassador. 

The EIC and the WFNS AC will establish and agree upon defined metrics, benchmarks, and a schedule for reporting. 

Responsibilities

The EIC is responsible for structuring and overseeing the performance of the Editorial Board of the Journal. It is expected that the EIC will cultivate diverse and global Editorial Boards which will include Associate Editors and Section Editors in leadership roles. The EIC is ultimately responsible for setting the Journal’s standards for manuscript acceptance, while establishing an infrastructure to ensure rapid and fair peer-review.

The EIC has responsibility for all publication decisions and will maintain oversight of the submission and review of manuscripts.  With the input of the Editorial Boards, the EIC will develop a pool of reviewers representing the broad scope of the specialty. Additionally, the EIC will serve as an arbiter between authors, reviewers, and editors.  The EIC will be committed to equity and inclusion in all aspects of the publications process. 

Specifically, the EIC is responsible for: 

• Recruiting, selecting, appointing, and/or releasing Editorial Board members,
• Coordinating the peer-review process,
• Establishing, communicating and implementing policies for: 
  • Submission of manuscripts
  • Peer review
  • Solicitation and selection of themed issues and supplements within contracted page allotments
  • Conflicts of interest and scientific conduct
• Attracting submissions from authors representing the diversity of the global neurosurgery community
• Soliciting and interacting with Guest Editors of special content including but not limited to supplements and review series
• Delivering an adequate and timely inventory of high-quality manuscripts to complete issues according to the required schedules
• Maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the peer-review process
• Corresponding with authors, editors, reviewers, readers, and the publisher regarding peer review and journal activities
• Providing the Publisher and WFNS AC with reports on the journal's activities, including key publishing statistics, notable editorial activities, significant publishing events on an agreed schedule and presenting a report at the scheduled WFNS AC meeting
• Presiding at the annual Journal Strategic Planning Meeting, Editorial Board Meetings, and Editorial Board Reception
• Reviewing and approving the journal's yearly budget, for approval of the WFNS
• Traveling to conferences as a representative of the journal, and
• Attending to, along with the Publisher and WFNS AC, the personnel needs of the editorial office. 

The WFNS Journal and the EIC will be supported by a virtual editorial office, managed by the Publisher. The editorial office is responsible for managing all administrative aspects of the journal. The Editorial Assistant manages the relationship with the publisher, supervises the editorial staff, and serves as a key resource for the EIC, including appropriate training on editorial systems, providing requested reports, discussing Ideas for innovation, and responding to requests for procedural changes and enhancements. 

Qualifications and Required Skills

The EIC will be a dynamic, collaborative, innovative and visionary leader in publishing. The EIC will be a member of a member society of the WFNS, an active researcher, and a recognized expert in neurosurgery, with high scholarly standards and a broad knowledge of the field. The EIC of the WFNS Journal must: 

• Have a background that reflects high standards in research and publication,
• Be in a position to attract respected experts to serve on the Editorial Board,
• Possess significant editorial experience with a scholarly journal and an understanding of the online editorial process,
• Be fair and trustworthy while possessing the ability to make difficult decisions,
• Be conversant in evolving business models and relevant technological advances in publishing,
• Have a willingness to explore innovations in publishing and the use of social media and technology tools as a means of enhancing journal usage and author interest, and
• Demonstrate strong leadership, organizational and communication skills, with a focus on service and positive author experiences. 

The WFNS expects that the EIC will perform the editorial obligations in a manner consistent with the highest standards of professionalism, competence, integrity, and ethics, and not engage in any conduct that may bring harm or disrepute upon WFNS or the Journal.  

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values for the WFNS.  We welcome and encourage EIC applicants of all backgrounds, including any nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual identity or orientation.

Term

The EIC will serve for an initial term of 5-years, assuming full responsibility as EIC of the WFNS Journal on May 1, 2023.  

The EIC will be compensated by WFNS commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the editorial structure of the journals. This is not a full-time position and the EIC is not an employee of WFNS.  Interested candidates should submit an application package for consideration by the WFNS EIC Search Committee that includes: 

• A current curriculum vitae
• A letter of interest that summarizes the candidate’s qualifications, including relevant journal experience
• A vision statement describing the applicant’s goals for the Publication

Application materials should be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by January 31, 2023. WFNS will acknowledge and confirm receipt of all applications. Please also send any questions about the position or the search process to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  A WFNS representative will respond to your inquiries. All application materials and questions about this search will be kept confidential. No phone calls and no recruiters, please. 

About the WFNS

The WFNS Journal is the official publication of the WFNS contributing to the Society’s mission to further the worldwide practice of neurosurgery, advance neurosurgical science, and increase the positive global impact of the field.

WFNS Journal, is the new official journal of the WFNS, publishes top research on clinical and experimental neurosurgery and covers the latest developments in neurosurgical science, technology, and medicine. Publishing monthly, WFNS Journal is currently published in partnership with Thieme.