Web Exclusive: ASTRO begins search for Red Journal editor-in-chief

Katherine Egan Bennett, ASTRO staff, katherineb@astro.org

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is searching for an Editor-in-Chief for its primary research journal, the International Journal of Radiation Oncology•Biology•Physics. Known as the Red Journal, it offers authoritative articles linking new research and technologies to clinical applications.

The journal includes original contributions by leading scientists and researchers including experimental studies of combined modality treatment, tumor sensitization and normal tissue protection, molecular radiation biology, particle irradiation, brachytherapy, treatment planning, tumor biology, and clinical investigations of cancer treatment that include radiation therapy. Technical advances related to dosimetry and conformal radiation treatment planning is also an important part of the journal.

Published 15 times per year, the Red Journal receives more than 2,000 submissions annually. It is ranked 32nd out of 141 journals in the oncology category on the 2009 Journal Citation Reports, ranked sixth of 90 journals in the radiology, nuclear medicine and medical imaging category on the 2009 Journal Citation Reports, and has an impact factor of 4.592.

The incoming editor-in-chief is expected to begin shadowing the current editor-in-chief beginning in mid-2011. The new editor’s first issue would be January 2012.

Ideal candidates will have the following:

• A background in radiation oncology.
• An attention to detail, thorough follow-through of all pending matters and a desire to be responsible to the Red Journal readership.
• A commitment to maintenance of full communications and a positive working relationship with the ASTRO Board of Directors, Journal Committee and staff, senior editors, and with the publisher and staff .
• A commitment to maintenance of an Editorial Board that is representative of the diversity of the Society’s membership.
• Substantial experience writing, editing and reviewing articles for publication.
• A commitment to establishing a positive working relationship with the editors of ASTRO’s new practice journal, Practical Radiation Oncology.
• A willingness to make a significant time commitment to the journal for five to 10 years.

The editor-in-chief is responsible for:

• Establishing and managing an editorial office.
• Receiving, evaluating and selecting materials submitted for publication in the journal, promptly responding to communications regarding the journal, appointing an Editorial Board, developing and implementing improvements to the journal, ensuring proper communication and tracking systems are in place in the editorial office, and coordinating with the publishing staff.
• Actively working with the publisher and ASTRO on editorial while maximizing revenue opportunities and working with the ASTRO Board and staff to manage the business affairs of this journal.

The term of the editor is expected to begin in mid-2011. The editor’s term will be for five years, renewable once. To apply, please submit a letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position along with a brief statement of your vision for the journal and your CV to communications@astro.org. Candidates should indicate their institution’s willingness to commit to provide adequate work space and the necessary up-to-date equipment for use by the editor-in-chief. Letters of interest will be accepted until October 1, 2010, with interviews expected to be held at ASTRO’s Annual Meeting beginning on October 31, 2010, in San Diego.