Public Knowledge Journal is an open-access multi-disciplinary journal published biannually at Virginia Tech. Following the first five successful years, the journal is seeking editorial board members to take the journal forward into the next phase of its development.
Incoming board members will begin to take an active role in the journal in the spring of 2013 and will overlap with the existing editors until assuming full responsibility on June 1, 2013.
Positions available include: Articles Editor, Copy Editor, and Website Editor. Full position descriptions are available below.
Applications are sought from individuals who are committed to an interdisciplinary approach. Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter indicating position(s) sought to Katie Read at editor@pkjournal.org. The closing date for applications is April 5th, 2013.
Position Descriptions
Articles Editor
The Articles Editor oversees the flow of all articles (peer-reviewed articles, non-peer-reviewed commentaries, etc.) through the publications process, from initial submission to copyediting. The Articles Editor is responsible for soliciting article submissions, maintaining the substantive quality standards of published articles, and ensuring that all relevant production deadlines are met. The position requires collaboration with the Assistant Articles Editor during the peer-review process, as well as with the rest of the Editorial Board as needed. Specific duties of the Articles Editor include (but are not limited to):
- Conducting initial reviews of submitted articles to ensure compliance with basic journal requirements and standards
- Coordinating with Assistant Articles Editor to ensure timely, high-quality peer-reviews
- Synthesizing peer-reviewer feedback (including resolving conflicting feedback) and notifying authors of required and optional revisions
- Ensuring that all required revisions are made by authors and that author changes have not introduced new problems
- Making final decisions on the acceptance or rejection of all articles (in consultation with the Editorial Board/Editor in-Chief as needed)
- Ensuring that all major substantive problems have been successfully addressed by the author before releasing any manuscript to the Copy Editor
- Updating the journal log sheet promptly
- Corresponding with authors as needed
- Regularly attending and actively participating in Editorial Board and Advisory Board meetings
One-year, renewable term
Estimated time commitment:
- Active publication cycle (article submission to copyediting): 6-8 hours per manuscript (including rejected manuscripts)
- Other times: 5-10 hours per week
Copy Editor
The Copy Editor is the journal’s expert on textual editing (i.e. proofreading, grammar, syntax, style, etc.), citation style, and journal format (see PKJ Style Guide). As such, the primary responsibility of the Copy Editor is to ensure that each manuscript is clear, correct, concise, comprehensible, and consistent. Thereby guaranteeing each issue of Public Knowledge is technically correct, contains proper citations, and adheres to the established journal format. To ensure consistent journal formatting within and across issues, the Copy Editor is tasked with creating, revising, and otherwise maintaining the following documents: PKJ Style Guide, PKJ Copy Editing Guidelines, and PKJ Copy Editing Checklist.
The Copy Editor is also responsible for helping train (in collaboration with the Articles Editor) Peer Reviewers about proper manuscript submission format and citation styles. Leading up to the publication of each issue, the Copy Editor coordinates with the Articles Editor and Layout Editor regarding matters of journal format and design. Given this position’s focus on formatting, the Copy Editor should provide key input on length of journal and general design.
During the publication cycle, the Copy Editor receives manuscripts after they been substantively vetted by the Articles Editor and gone through the peer review process. Upon receiving manuscripts, the Copy Editor thoroughly reviews each document for technical and grammatical correctness, proper citation style, and journal format. At this time, the Copy Editor submits proofs to the contributing authors for final check before publication. Refer to the PKJ Copy Editing Guidelines and PKJ Copy Editing Checklist for more detailed information about established Copy Editing procedures.
The Copy Editor shall also attend and actively participate in editorial and advisory board meetings.
One-year, renewable term
Estimated Volunteer Time:
- 5-10 hours per week (outside publication cycle)
- 15-20 hours per week (during publication cycle)
Website Editor
The Website Editor is primarily responsible for Public Knowledge’s online management. He or she is responsible for transferring accepted manuscripts to the Website, communicating with contributors or potential contributors on matters related to acceptable electronic methods for transmitting manuscript data, and implementing changes to the site that are approved by the Board. The Website Editor shall work as a liaison between Public Knowledge and the current web host to update and maintain the Journal’s Website and maintain the security and integrity of the Website. The Website Editor will also, when necessary, coordinate with the Articles Editor and Copy Editor regarding issues of Journal format and design. The Website Editor shall provide Journal Website training and assistance to the entire Board when necessary. He or she shall also attend and actively participate in editorial and advisory board meetings.
One-year, renewable term
Estimated Volunteer Time: 5-10 hours per week