The British Society of Soil Science is looking for an Editor-in-Chief to lead the team for a pre-eminent academic publication namely the European Journal of Soil Science (EJSS).
About The European JOURNAL OF SOIL SCEINCE
The European Journal of Soil Science (EJSS) is an international British Society of Soil Science journal dedicated to advancing the theoretical and mechanistic understanding of soil properties and processes – from molecular to global scales, in natural and managed environments – through measurement and modelling.
EJSS is published six times each year, with approximately 173 papers published in 2024 compared to 107 papers published in 2023. In 2023, the impact factor was 4.0, Citescore – 8.2, SCImago Journal Rank – 1.16 and h-Index – 136. Along with the Soil Use and Management Journal (SUM), it is one of the internationally recognised, long standing academic journals of the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS).
As part of its publishing output, EJSS features many Special editions and Russell Reviews aimed at extending its outreach, reputation and impact within the sector. Notable publications include:
- Artificial intelligence in soil science – Wadoux – 2025 – European Journal of Soil Science – Wiley Online Library
- RUSSELL REVIEW Soil carbon stewardship: Thinking in circles – Janzen – 2024 – European Journal of Soil Science – Wiley Online Library
- RUSSELL REVIEW Are plant roots only “in” soil or are they “of” it? Roots, soil formation and function – Gregory – 2022 – European Journal of Soil Science – Wiley Online Library
- EJP SOIL Special Issue: Climate-Smart Sustainable Agricultural Soil Management for the Future – Volume 2: European Journal of Soil Science
The journal was first published as the Journal of Soil Science in 1950 and this became EJSS in 1994.
From 2022, EJSS moved to an online-only journal. The journal also plays a pivotal role in supporting the Mission and Vision of the British Society of Soil Science as any surplus revenue is re-invested in supporting the society’s members and their aims in supporting the discovery of new knowledge in Soil Science.
About the British Society of Soil Science
BSSS was founded in 1947 by eminent British soil scientists with the aims of advancing the study of soil; being open to membership from all those with an interest in the study and uses of soil. BSSS has grown into an established international membership organisation and charity committed to the study of soil in its widest aspects. With over 900 members, it is funded primarily through income from publications and subscriptions. The Society acts as a forum for the exchange of ideas and provides a framework for representing the views of soil scientists to other organisations and decision-making bodies. It promotes research by organising several events and conferences each year and by the publication of its two scientific journals in partnership with Wiley. It promotes education through a number of initiatives aimed at schools, colleges and universities. The Society has a regular and varied programme of scientific conferences on a wide range of soil-related issues and hosted the World Congress of Soil Science in 2022, Glasgow on behalf of the International Union of Soil Sciences.
In 2010 the Society became an incorporated charity, merging with the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists. This means that the society now has membership representing all areas of soil science. The Society has an administrative office based at Cranfield University.
Learn more about the British Society of Soil Science.
About the publisher
The European Journal of Soil Science (EJSS) is published by Wiley on behalf of the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS), under a collaborative publishing agreement that defines the responsibilities, rights, and revenue-sharing terms between the parties. BSSS retains ownership of EJSS and provides editorial oversight, while Wiley is responsible for production, distribution, marketing, and sales activities. The relationship is structured to promote the strategic goals of BSSS in advancing soil science, ensuring high standards in scholarly publishing, and maintaining the visibility and impact of EJSS within the global scientific community. This partnership is governed by a multi-year contract outlining shared commitments to quality, innovation, and sustainable publishing practices.
Job Purpose
It is the role of the Editor-in-chief to work with the BSSS to oversee the strategic development of the journal, as well as to act as an ambassador for the journal. You will be a highly experienced soil scientist familiar with the editorial process of peer-reviewed journals. The Editor-in-chief has the final decision-making responsibility for the acceptance or rejection of all papers submitted to the journal. They must also adhere to and ensure that ethical standards are upheld throughout the entire publication process.
The post will be for an initial term of 3 years, with the option of renewal. The Editor-in-chief will be supported by the editorial office and will work closely with the Deputy Editors and Social Media coordinator and EIC/editorial teams from EJSS. As Editor you will receive training in the editorial processes and the online submission system, with regular training in publishing systems, ethics and marketing provided by the publisher.
ABOUT YOU
Being educated to post-graduate level and a member of BSSS, you will have significant relevant experience demonstrating an international track record in publishing high quality research in soil science.
As an internationally recognised scientist with an established international network with multiple academic institutes, you will drive the vision and strategic direction of the journal. Having a substantial track record working as part of an editorial team of a scientific journal, and a continued track record in submitting and peer-reviewing articles is key to success in this role. Demonstrating a track record of broader research in soil science, with an appreciation of multiple core areas of the discipline is also essential.
Job Description
To see the full job description, click here
How to apply
Please send a covering letter, with a CV confirming your motivation to apply for the role and how your experience fits the person description to andrewmorris@soils.org.uk.