BMJ Immunology: call for editor in chief

BMJ Group seeks an ambitious and dynamic editor in chief for a new journal, BMJ Immunology, launching in 2025.
The ideal candidate will be a respected clinician–researcher with editorial experience and a strong vision to establish the new journal and develop its reach, impact and influence internationally.

You will appoint and lead the editorial team, actively promoting and strengthening the journal while upholding the highest standards of editorial and professional practice. The new journal will expand BMJ Group’s presence in this important area, complementing its existing titles in adjacent specialties.

About the role

The editor in chief has overall responsibility for the content and editorial strategy of the journal, in line with the business plan, and with support from their editorial team and BMJ Group publishing staff.

The successful candidate should have stature in the field of immunology and a distinguished publication record, as well as experience of working in a senior editorial role on an academic journal. The time commitment will depend on the structure of the editorial team, but the Editor-in-Chief should expect to spend the equivalent of approximately a day per week on journal activities.

The Editor-in-Chief will be responsible for all content published in the journal, and will:

• Work with BMJ to develop and maintain an internationally relevant and coherent strategy and vision for the journal
• Provide high quality and engaging content for a broad audience
• Establish and lead a diverse and supportive team of highly qualified international colleagues to serve as members of the editorial team
• Maintain and ensure the integrity of the review process and publishing ethics, providing guidance to authors and reviewers as appropriate
• Develop procedures for effective triage and review of manuscripts, working closely with the editorial team to ensure timely responses to authors
• Supervise the journal’s response to appeals, complaints, suggestions from readers and ethical queries regarding published work
• Add value by commissioning editorials, reviews, educational material and online content, and seeking opportunities to publish topic collections and supplements
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with organisations and events to advance the journal’s international reputation and profile
• Oversee the journal’s social media strategy
• Collaborate with the editors of other BMJ Group journals to optimise manuscript transfers

The editorship is an independent contractor position and the initial term of office is a
minimum of three years. International and joint applications are encouraged.

Benefits
As editor in chief, you will benefit from:

• Annual honorarium
• Training and support from BMJ Group
• Professional advice and guidance on all aspects of journal publishing
• Membership of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
• Networking events with other BMJ Group editors
• The opportunity to shape the field and play a role in the development of the specialty

How to apply

To be considered, please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. Please include the following information:
1. Vision for the future of an impactful immunology journal under your editorship
2. How you would attract high quality research and non-research articles
3. Strategy to ensure a diverse editorial team and an inclusive approach to the peer
review and commissioning of content
4. Details of previous editorial experience

🗓 Deadline: 31 July 2025

📧 Apply with CV and cover letter: lfountain@bmj.com

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held by videoconference.