The New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science  (NZJCHS) has announced the establishment of an Early-Career Editorial Board (ECEB) and the commencement of the recruitment process for its inaugural cohort of board members.

The aim is to provide editorial experience for outstanding young researchers from around the world, giving them the opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping their field.

The Early-Career Editorial Board will be an integral and active part of the journal’s expanding and international editorial team.

The Royal Society Te Apārangi says:

We aspire for this Board to reflect the diversity of the crop and horticultural community and provide valuable input into the journal’s development from the perspective of early-career researchers (ECRs).

By doing so, we aim to contribute to the sustainable development of NZJCHS and create a sense of affinity among ECRs right from the beginning of their research careers.

Candidates are expected to bring to the journal expertise in any aspect of crop and horticultural research.

The responsibilities for Early-Career Editorial Board members include:

• Serving a term of 2 years.
• Contributing at least one paper for publication in NZJCHS during each term of your service (subject to external peer review, similar to any other submission).
• Conducting at least 1 review, or as many as necessary, for submissions to the journal annually.
• Handling a small number of manuscripts as an editor under the mentorship of an experienced editor.
• Assisting with special issues under the guidance and discretion of the editors or even lead special issues with other researchers.
• Serving as an ambassador to promote NZJCHS through academic networks, social media, conferences, and other channels.
• Attending editorial board meetings and participate in activities organised by the journal.
• Completing additional editorial tasks or special projects as requested by the Editor-in-Chief.

To be considered for the position, applicants will need to show they have:

• A reasonable track record of peer-reviewed publications (considered in relation to their career stage).
• Active current involvement in research fields relevant to the journal’s scope.
• Completion of a doctoral degree within the past five years.
• Familiarity with academic paper writing and publishing. Experience in peer review is preferred.

ECEB members will serve a two-year term with the possibility of renewal for a second term.

Some exceptional members from the Early-Career Editorial Board will be promoted to the main Editorial Board as an Editor after completing one or two terms.

ECEB members will receive an honorarium of NZ$150 if they are assigned manuscripts to handle, payable to either the member or their institution, by arrangement.

 Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 31 October.

The New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science provides information for researchers in universities, research institutes, and other centres, on all aspects of the production, protection, handling, and processing of crop and horticultural products

It is an international journal which welcomes submissions on biotechnology, entomology, plant nutrition, breeding, pathology, indoor and urban horticulture, postharvest physiology, soil science, viticulture, biosecurity, new crop and horticultural products, and descriptions of new cultivar releases.

The journal welcomes work on tree and field crops, and particularly encourages contributions on kiwifruit, apples and grapes.

Source: Royal Society Te Apārangi