The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is inviting applications for the role of Editor-in-Chief for its scientific journal, the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP).

The Journal of Small Animal Practice is a monthly, peer-reviewed, publication publishing research in all aspects of small animal clinical practice. You can find the journal’s full Aims and Scope here.

We are excited to be seeking a new Editor-in-Chief to develop the journal into its next phase. The new Editor-in-Chief will be building on the journal’s strong foundations to continue developing JSAP as a leading international journal in its field.  We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities, to ensure diverse perspectives are included in our editorial process.

The position of Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Small Animal Practice includes the following responsibilities:

• Maintaining high standards in the peer-review process and ensuring that JSAP adheres to best practice guidance with respect to research integrity and publishing ethics in accordance with COPE (Committee on Publishing Ethics) guidelines, as well as the journal’s and BSAVA’s policies relating to animal welfare and ethics.
• Using an online editorial management system, provided by the Publisher, to determine which submitted contributions can proceed to peer review; to have such contributions assigned to an editor to oversee the peer review by appropriately qualified and experienced persons; to accept or reject manuscripts or to request revision in response to referees' reports and editorial comments; and to communicate with authors as appropriate.
• Overseeing the performance of Associate Editors appointed to the journal, ensuring that manuscripts are processed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Liaising regularly with the Associate Editor team, both via email and through team meetings, to engage the team on editorial strategy.
• Taking overall responsibility for all content published in JSAP.
• Working with the Wiley Editorial Office on the day-to-day operations of JSAP in an efficient manner and to provide accepted material to the Publisher in accordance with the Author Guidelines and the Production Schedule.
• Working with the Publisher and BSAVA to maintain a strategy for the development of JSAP, to maintain/increase the status and visibility of JSAP, and ensure that JSAP fulfils its aims and serves the readers in its field.
• Communicating regularly with the wider Editorial Board concerning the development of JSAP, editorial strategy, submissions, and promotion.
• Commissioning editorials and other contributions or features as appropriate.
• Reviewing, renewing, and managing the Associate Editor team and Editorial Board on a regular basis, and working with the Publisher and BSAVA to make additional appointments and/or changes to the team as needed and to achieve an active and diverse representation of the community JSAP serves, mentoring new members as needed.
• Ensuring that JSAP’s policies and workflows are inclusive for the communities it serves.
• Attending and contributing to editorial meetings, where appropriate, in collaboration with the Publisher and BSAVA.
• Selecting, alongside the Editorial Board, winners of the annual JSAP ‘Best Paper’ awards, and if available, presenting these awards on behalf of JSAP at BSAVA Congress.

The successful candidate would be expected to take up the post from early 2025 to facilitate an overlap period with the outgoing Editor-in-Chief. This a fixed term post with a maximum of 5 years. There is an annual honorarium for the role.

Applications should contain:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role
• An up-to-date CV/resume
• A vision statement including a short assessment of how you see the strengths and weaknesses of JSAP, including your vision for its future development. 

Desired Attributes and Selection Criteria:

• A thorough knowledge of veterinary medicine is essential, including awareness of trends in the field both in the UK and internationally.
• Strong leadership with excellent communication and organizational skills.
• A high level of efficiency and time management with the ability to work to deadlines.
• A high level of professional and ethical standards and a commitment to ensuring JSAP maintains a good level of scholarly rigor in the field.
• Experience in editorial decision making with astute editorial judgment in the evaluation of research publication.
• A commitment to the publication of clearly presented and accessible research.
• Active in the field with a good record of personal research, initiative, expertise and performance.
• A flexible and collaborative working style. Keen to work in partnership with the Publishing team, BSAVA, Associate Editors and the Editorial Board.
• A willingness to contribute ideas for editorial initiatives and developments such as new themed issues, genres and formats.
• Awareness of changes in the research publishing environment and of relevant technological advances in the publication and dissemination of research. Experience with an online editorial system is preferable.
• Familiarity with BSAVA would be advantageous.
• Determination to pursue equity and diversity on all dimensions including, but not limited to: gender, ethnicity and geography.
• A wide existing network of international contacts in the field.
• Willingness to attend conferences to promote and acquire content for JSAP.
• Capacity to make adequate time allocation to the operation and development of JSAP.

About British Small Animal Veterinary Association

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is a membership association for small animal veterinary professionals. It aims to enable the community of small animal veterinary professionals to develop their knowledge and skills through leading-edge education, scientific research and collaboration. Journal of Small Animal Practice is the international, peer-reviewed publication of the BSAVA. JSAP is published monthly by Wiley on behalf of the BSAVA.

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