Mountain Research and Development (MRD) is an independent, not-for-profit, multidisciplinary, and society-based peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the International Mountain Society (IMS). Its Editorial Office is hosted at the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, Switzerland. MRD advances transformative knowledge for sustainable development in mountains and interconnected lowlands. It publishes high-quality articles on disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research and practice-based insights. It fosters dialogue within science, as well as between science, policy, and practice. It supports development of scientific and communicative capacities. MRD fulfils its mission through strong engagement with individuals, organizations, and networks within and beyond the mountain research and development community, guided by the shared leadership of a team of Editors-in-Chief.
To advance MRD’s vision of sustainable and resilient futures for mountain societies and mountain environments worldwide, and to broaden and strengthen its engagement with the international mountain research and development community, the IMS welcomes expressions of interest for the positions of one to two additional Editors-in-Chief.
What MRD Offers
- Collaboration with a long-standing, committed editorial team and, through the IMS and MRD’s International Editorial Board, with a well-established international community of practice dedicated to sustainable development in mountains.
- Visibility on MRD’s website for the Editor-in-Chief and acknowledgment of their home institution’s substantial support of MRD as an independent, not-for-profit, and fair publishing and dialogue platform.
- Experience in strategic leadership of an international peer-reviewed scientific journal.
- Opportunity to contribute to the definition and shaping of thematic focus issues and writing of editorials.
- The Editors-in-Chief’s institutions become institutional members of the IMS, with associated benefits (for more information see here) and obligations (annual membership fee of US$ 5000).
Portfolio
The new Editors-in-Chief will join the current Editors-in-Chief―Prof. Dr. Thomas Breu, Director of the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, Switzerland, and Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal―and will be core members of MRD’s editorial team.
The tasks of the Editors-in-Chief are as follows:
- The Editors-in-Chief are together responsible for the overall strategic orientation of the journal, ie its long-term vision and aims.
- The Editors-in-Chief are together responsible for managing relations with MRD’s donors and for engaging in networking among key mountain stakeholders (in partnership with the IMS Board of Directors) to solicit support for MRD. They are expected to promote MRD at conferences and through their networks, and to actively encourage manuscript submission.
- The Editors-in-Chief together decide on the composition of MRD’s International Editorial Board and define the topics of focus issues and special issues of the journal based on consultation with the International Editorial Board.
- The Editors-in-Chief maintain good working relations with the other members of the editorial team, as well as the IMS Board of Directors and CDE Management.
- The Editors-in-Chief guide MRD engagement activities beyond MRD’s core publication processes.
- The Editors-in-Chief are expected to participate in up to 4 strategic online meetings per year and to respond to written consultations throughout the year.
- The Editors-in-Chief are accountable to the IMS Board of Directors.
Eligibility
Traditionally, the home institutions of Editors-in-Chief support MRD with a substantial annual financial contribution (US$ 25,000 per annum) to ensure the financial autonomy of the journal, while at the same time upholding the highest standards of editorial independence to avoid conflicts of interest between the IMS/MRD and their home institutions.
We welcome expressions of interest from distinguished experts from all over the world who meet the following criteria:
- A strong background in interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary mountain research.
- Proven experience working at the interface of science, practice, the private sector, and policy.
- A proven track record in publishing and reviewing scientific articles, including editorial experience.
Details
Start: As soon as possible or upon agreement
Location: Remote
Duration: Open
Formalization: The position as Editor-in-Chief of MRD is voluntary and does not involve any personal remuneration for working time. The collaboration between the Editor-in-Chief’s home institution and the IMS will be formalized in a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The existing MoU between the IMS and the current Editors-in-Chief’s institutions may be viewed on request for more detailed information about institutional obligations.
For inquiries: Please contact thomas.breu@unibe.ch with a copy to mrd-journal.cde@unibe.ch.
Apply by: Expressions of interest are accepted on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Expression of interest: Please send your CV along with your expression of interest to mrd-journal.cde@unibe.ch, with a copy to susanne.wymann@unibe.ch (Associate Editor of MRD).
MRD and the IMS value diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome all applications from qualified individuals who meet the required criteria.