Call for Applications: Editor in Chief for the European Journal of Pain

The Executive Board of the European Pain Federation EFIC herewith invites applications for the position of Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Pain (EJP).

About the Journal

The European Journal of Pain (EJP) is the official journal of the European Pain Federation EFIC®. It is a multi-disciplinary, international journal and a global forum on all aspects of pain research and pain management. The journal publishes clinical and basic science research papers relevant to all aspects of pain and its management, including specialties such as anaesthesia, dentistry, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, palliative care, pharmacology, physiology, psychiatry, psychology and rehabilitation; socio-economic aspects of pain are also covered.

The journal publishes original clinical and basic science articles; reviews on pertinent topics not recently covered by other international journals. Full length articles and short communications will be accepted in the following fields: clinical studies and controlled observations, epidemiological studies, experimental studies on patients, healthy volunteers, animals and tissue preparations. Clinical case studies may be accepted if they are of particular scientific value. Letters to the Editor and Commentaries related to the content of the journal will also be published.

Impact factor: 3.934 (2-year); 4.03 (5-year)

2020 Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate Analytics): 13/33 (Anaesthesiology) 75/208 (Clinical Neurology) 121/273 (Neurosciences). Journal ranked Q1 in Anaesthesiology and Clinical Neurology, Q2 in Neuroscience (Journal Citation Reports)

Job description

Title: Editor-in-Chief

Accountable to: Executive Board of the European Pain Federation EFIC

Responsible for: Editorial Board, Section Editors and editorial team supporting the work of the Journal

Appointment: Appointee expected to join the Editorial Board in September 2022. Transition period between current and next E-i-C expected, with new E-i-C to take up duties fully from January 2023.

Overview of the Editor-in-Chief Position

The position of Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Pain is one of the most prestigious roles in pain science, globally. The EJP is one of the foremost academic journals in pain science, and high standards are required to ensure the credibility and smooth functioning of the journal.

The main duties of the Editor-in-Chief include:

• To provide editorial leadership and oversight of the journal, retaining its status as one of the foremost academic research journals in pain science.
• To lead on the peer review process: screening and selecting papers for review; assigns papers for peer review to co-editors and oversees the general conduct of the peer review process:
  • To ensure a rapid and efficient review of all submitted papers
  • To maintain the flow of accepted papers at a level and on a schedule for regular publication
• To chair the editorial board, approving minutes and agendas, following up on the board’s action points, and implementing with the support of the editorial team and publisher.
• To articulate and implement an editorial vision and strategy for the journal that is relevant to current developments in academic and practice-based research, as agreed with the editorial board and Executive Board of EFIC.
• To make periodic assessments of the general editorial board’s constitution, and recommend changes when appropriate.
• To retain oversight of the overall editorial quality of manuscripts and supporting documents for publication.
• To work together with the editorial team, Executive Board of EFIC and publisher to promote the reputation, academic success and prosperity of the journal.
• To act as a spokesperson for the Journal and Editorial Board in public forums such as the EFIC Congress.
• To have input into matters of editorial policy and to ensure that wherever possible the journal adheres to best practice guidelines in terms of publication ethics
• To provide input in the strategic direction and financial management of the Journal, in partnership with the Executive Board of EFIC and publisher.

Person Specification

Essential criteria

• Previous experience working on the editorial board of a scientific journal
• An excellent International scientific track record in pain science and its underlying sciences, with a strong record of publication.
• Substantial and recent experience in managing or conducting research of international quality.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively with individuals and stakeholders.
• A strong record of contributing to the review and editing of published material in the field.
• An excellent international network amongst researchers.
• Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills in English.
• Excellent organisational skills, including an ability to work to tight deadlines and manage multiple competing priorities.
• No significant potential conflicts of interest

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience working on the editorial board of a reputable pain science journal
• Familiarity with the work of the European Pain Federation EFIC

Application Process

The deadline for applications is Thursday 31st March 2022. Candidates will be interviewed by members of the Executive Board of the European Pain Federation EFIC, including the current Editor-in-Chief. Interviews are expected between April and May 2022. Initial interviews with members of the current Editorial Board may be proposed for any candidates not currently familiar to the Board. A decision will ideally be taken before the 2022 summer holidays, with the expectation that onboarding starts from September, taking over duties in full in January 2023.

Applications should be sent to secretary@efic.org. Informal inquiries can be sent directly to the current Editor: larrea@univ-lyon1.fr

Applications should include:

• A CV, including a summary of key publications
• A letter of motivation
• A declaration of potential conflicts of interest following the template attached, with the ‘work in question’ being the role of Editor-in-Chief.