Call for Applications for Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Forensic Sciences
Overview, Key Responsibilities, Candidate Qualifications

Overview

The Editor-in-Chief (EIC) provides the vision, scientific leadership, and operational oversight for the Journal of Forensic Sciences (JFS). The EIC is responsible for maintaining the Journal's standing, ensuring the integrity of its content, and fostering its growth in alignment with the goals of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and its publishing partner, Wiley.

The position will work closely with the Publisher (Wiley) to oversee the effective peer review of manuscripts and undertake initiatives for journal development. The role includes the screening of journal manuscript submissions, managing peer review decisions, and making prompt and fair editorial decisions. In addition, the EIC should be committed to rigorous editorial and research integrity standards and will be responsible for implementing and managing core strategic initiatives alongside the Publisher (Wiley).

The successful candidate will:

Ensure the high quality and integrity of JFS.
Have a broad and extensive knowledge in the field, including an international network of contacts.
Have excellent communication and team working skills.
Embrace a flexible and collaborative approach, working closely with the JFS Leadership, the JFS Editorial Office, the AAFS Central Office, and the various Wiley representatives and teams.
Have the ability to work to tight deadlines.
Have experience in journal publishing and editorial decision making.
Have a commitment to research and ethical publishing practices.

The pace of change in scholarly publishing is accelerating and to respond, the JFS EIC will need to work effectively with the Publisher (Wiley) and the JFS Editorial Board. A flexible and collaborative approach will therefore be essential for the successful candidate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Strategic Leadership & Journal Development

Strategic Planning: Formulate and execute a comprehensive strategic plan to enhance the Journal's status, global visibility, and competitive standing.
Journal Growth: Periodically review and evolve the Journal's aims, scope, and article types to reflect the changing landscape of forensic science.
Promotion & Marketing: Serve as the primary ambassador for JFS. Collaborate with the Publisher (Wiley) and marketing teams to promote the Journal through professional networks, conferences, and targeted outreach.

II. Editorial Oversight & Scientific Integrity

Scientific Authority: Exercise final authority over all scientific content and take responsibility for the overall quality of the JFS.
Peer-Review Excellence: Oversee the peer-review process via the online editorial management system, ensuring rigorous standards and adherence to Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines.
Ethics & Compliance: Manage matters related to research integrity, including conflicts of interest, ethical disputes, errata, and retractions.
Operational Management: Coordinate with the JFS Editorial Office to ensure efficient day-to-day operations, timely production schedules, and adherence to author guidelines.

III. Governance & Institutional Liaison

AAFS Representation: Maintain active membership in good standing with the AAFS.
Leadership Liaison: Serve as the principal link between the AAFS and the Publisher (Wiley). Maintain an open dialogue with the AAFS Executive Director and Board of Directors (BOD).
Reporting: Prepare and present annual and mid-year reports to the AAFS BOD and respond to institutional inquiries throughout the year.
Policy Management: Recommend and disseminate publication policies; perform annual reviews of JFS manuals and "Information for Authors" to ensure they remain current.

IV. Editorial Board & Personnel Management

Associate Editor Leadership: Lead the selection, succession planning, and mentoring of Associate Editors. Monitor their performance to ensure efficient manuscript handling.
Board Stewardship: Conduct annual reviews of the Editorial Board to ensure a holistic representation of the forensic community.
Meeting Chair: Preside over the annual in-person JFS Associate Editors' Meeting and JFS Editorial Board Meeting held in conjunction with the AAFS Annual Scientific Conference.
Administrative Oversight: Maintain accurate records of board appointments and terms in coordination with the AAFS Central Office.

V. Content Solicitation

Acquisitions: Actively solicit high-quality original research and proposal-based special issues in consultation with the Associate Editors and the Editorial Board.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

I. Educational & Professional Standing

AAFS Membership: Must be a member in good standing of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (required).
Advanced Degree: A Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
Subject Matter Expertise: A demonstrated deep understanding of the Journal's specific scope.

II. Research & Publication Record

Strong Publication History: A strong record of recognized scholarship, e.g., high-impact articles, presentations at the AAFS Annual Scientific Conference, etc.
Scholarly Recognition: Recognition as an expert or "key opinion leader" within the forensic science community.
Network: An extensive international network of colleagues to draw upon for manuscript recruitment and peer-review support.

III. Editorial & Peer-Review Experience

Prior Board Service: Ideally, served on an editorial board for at least 3–5 years.
Peer-Review: Substantial experience acting as a reviewer, demonstrating the ability to provide fair, constructive, and timely feedback.
Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with editorial management software, e.g., Research Exchange, ScholarOne, Editorial Manager.

IV. Leadership Qualities

Scientific Integrity: Unwavering commitment to ethical standards and a thorough understanding of COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.
Diplomacy: The ability to make and defend "unpopular decisions" (such as rejections) while maintaining respectful relationships with stakeholders.
Strategic Vision: The capacity to look at the field to predict trends and guide the Journal's future growth.
Time Commitment: Proven ability to dedicate significant time to editorial duties.

COMPENSATION & SUPPORT

Annual Stipend: The EIC receives a fixed annual stipend.
Editorial Office Support: The EIC is supported by a dedicated JFS Editorial Office to assist with the day-to-day administrative tasks, manuscript tracking, and production coordination.
Travel Reimbursement: AAFS provides reimbursement for authorized travel expenses related to official Journal business, including attendance at the AAFS Annual Scientific Conference.
Professional Development: Access to specialized training and resources provided by the Publisher (Wiley) regarding the latest trends in digital publishing, ethics, and editorial management.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST & EXCLUSIVITY

Competing Roles: To maintain editorial independence and avoid divided loyalties, the EIC may not hold concurrent editorial roles at competing publications during their tenure.
Disclosure: Candidates must disclose any existing editorial affiliations, financial interests in forensic technology companies, or leadership roles in other scientific organizations at the time of application.
Ongoing Compliance: The EIC is expected to adhere to the AAFS Conflict of Interest policy and the COPE guidelines regarding editorial independence, ensuring that all decisions are made based solely on scientific merit.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their application to the Chair, JFS Editor-in-Chief Search Committee, c/o Brenda Peat, JFS Managing Editor, bpeat@aafs.org

Applications Must Include the Following Components:

Complete curriculum vitae.
Letter of interest (500 word maximum) outlining your qualifications, your background, and your history with JFS. In addition, detail your approach to editorial leadership and how you will accommodate the time demands of the EIC role.
A vision statement of 1000 words or less. The statement should encapsulate your vision for the Journal's content, competitive position and longer-term development, including ideas for review-type articles or issues, as well as editorial board structure and responsibilities.
Conflict of Interest Statement. To ensure the integrity of JFS, the successful candidate must not hold concurrent editorial roles at competing publications and must disclose all potential professional conflicts of interest upon application.

Application Deadline:
All materials must be received by May 31, 2026.

Call for Applications