Recruiting for Editor-in-Chief and Senior Editor(s)
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Deadline
31 August 2023
About the role
Molecular and Cellular Biology is a well-established journal that has been in publication for over forty years. Previously published by the American Society for Microbiology, the journal transferred to Taylor and Francis for the 2023 Volume.
As well as publishing research that significantly advances our understanding of the molecular biology of all eukaryotic cells, the journal aims to highlight coming change and articulate where a field is heading. We recognize that the fields of cell and molecular biology are always changing as new technologies and analytical techniques emerge, and a journal that serves this community must constantly evolve to stay relevant.
We are looking for people who display a clear vision for the future development of the field and are enthusiastic about promoting new ideas to join the Editorial Board. As well as a suitable academic background and publication history, some experience of serving on an Editorial Board is preferred.
There are two positions open: Senior Editor(s) and Editor-in-Chief. Both come with an annual stipend. Role profiles can be found below.
For more information please contact [email protected]
- Candidates are asked to state which role they are applying for and to provide an up-to-date C.V.
- Those wishing to apply for the Editor-in-Chief position must also include a Vision Statement.
Editor-in-Chief role profile
The primary role of the editor is to identify exciting new research areas emerging within the fields of cell and molecular biology and champion the journal to the community.
An Editor-in-Chief will need to look to the future direction of the field and help define it by capturing the voice of the community.
- Identify new and emerging areas and related fields in collaboration with the editorial team.
- Build connections into new fields, attending conferences and encouraging potential authors to submit.
- Work to recruit senior editors and editorial board members situated in emerging fields.
- Meet with the senior editors and the editorial board to discuss the wider state of the field and the journal.
- Work with the editorial team to provide feedback on the peer review process.
- Work with the publisher on profile raising activities (e.g. Webinars, Conference Sessions) to promote the journal and the field it represents
Senior Editor Role Profile
This role is an opportunity to build your network in the field and affect the publishing process in a positive way that serves your community.
The role of the Senior Editor will be to oversee a collaborative peer review process with assistance from the publisher.
The management and administration of the peer review process will be handled by the publisher, to allow Senior Editors to focus on the scientific content of the articles and the fairness of the peer review. The publisher will also provide assistance in finding suitable reviewers if required.
The role of the Senior Editors in the peer review process will be to:
- Ensure quick desk decisions, so that unsuitable articles are removed from the publishing process as early as possible.
- Suggest reviewers for the article.
- Evaluate the reviews and make a recommendation as to whether the article is suitable for publication.
In addition, you will be asked to lead a section for your community, which will involve making connections with people in your field and recruiting editorial board members. The community section is an opportunity to promote your specialty and help influence the direction of your field by highlighting what you assess to be the most important and exciting work. \
Molecular and Cellular Biology is also seeking to recruit peer reviewers. Follow the apply button to submit your application.
About the journal

Molecular and Cellular Biology ( MCB ) is devoted to the advancement and dissemination of fundamental knowledge concerning the molecular biology of all eukaryotic cells. MCB seeks technically rigorous, mechanistic studies that provide significant advances in the areas of gene expression and genome organization, cellular morphology and function, molecular metabolism, cellular trafficking, and signal transduction. The journal is also interested in studies that investigate molecular, cellular, and systemic host responses to pathogenic agents in chronic diseases and conditions.
MCB is edited by leading investigators in the field of molecular biology, and decisions are based solely on scientific merit. MCB recognizes that rigorous, in-depth extensions of prior observations contribute in an important way to the advancement of scientific knowledge. We welcome studies that build upon, clarify, or question previous work and thereby move the field forward.
Key Skills and Attributes
Interested in applying? Here are the skills and attributes we would be looking for in a successful applicant:
- Confidence to engage with authors and researchers to solicit high quality submissions
- Strong organizational skills to ensure that submissions are handled in a timely manner
- The ability to foster positive working relationships with colleagues
- An understanding of research and publishing ethics
- Someone who is active in the journal community
- Previous experience as an Editor, Associate Editor or active Editorial Board member for a journal
The following skills and attributes would be ideal but not essential:
- Strong personal networks within the subject community
- Experience of the peer review process with a magazine or journal
The role is for an initial term of three years. We expect the new candidate to begin the role formally from early 2023, but the timeline can be flexible and would include a transitional phase to be agreed with the outgoing Editor.
Application Instructions
Applications must include:
- Your resume or C.V.
- Those wishing to apply for the Editor-in-Chief position must also include a Vision Statement.
To submit your application, please click the apply button. For further details, please contact [email protected]
All applications will be treated as strictly confidential. Taylor & Francis will judge each on its merits without regard to the race, religion, nationality, sex, seniority, or institutional affiliation of the candidate.
Interviews will be held by telephone or Microsoft Teams.
The journal is committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion within its editorial team and decision making processes. All applications will be treated as strictly confidential, and each will be judged on its merits without bias for seniority of institutional affiliation. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or protected veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics.