New Zealand Journal of Botany Seeks New Associate Editors Worldwide

The New Zealand Journal of Botany disseminates peer-reviewed research across all areas of botany, mycology, and phycology and welcomes submissions of global relevance. Studies that advance understanding of plant, fungal, and algal biology whether focused on local systems or comparative international questions are encouraged, particularly where they contribute novel insights to the broader scientific community.

NZJB has experienced rapid growth in recent years. In 2025 alone the journal published 147 papers drawing authors from 64 countries and territories, reflecting our expanding international engagement and scientific impact. Mycology and fungal research form a particularly strong element of the journal’s international profile, alongside our established reputation in plant science and ecology.

Our international editorial team currently comprises 47 editors from 17 countries, and we now seek to further strengthen representation and editorial capacity as the journal continues to evolve.

Applications from all regions are welcome, and we particularly encourage candidates from the southern hemisphere and Global South. These regions are key areas of growth in our publications and help to broaden the diversity of knowledge and topics we publish.

As a journal owned by Royal Society Te Apārangi and published in partnership with Wiley, we maintain high standards of scholarship and global accessibility. Our editorial leadership supports research of broad scientific significance alongside studies that reflect diverse geographic and ecological contexts.

By expanding the diversity of voices and expertise on our board, we strengthen our capacity to work with manuscripts from underrepresented regions and emerging areas of botanical science, deepening connections with international research communities.

Associate Editors will contribute to peer-review management, special issue development, and strategic advice that helps shape the journal’s future direction.

You’ll be joining the journal at a particularly exciting time. From 2026, all Royal Society of NZ journals, including NZJB, will be published in partnership with Wiley. Wiley brings deep subject expertise, global visibility, and a strong commitment to society publishing, including 125 Open Access agreements worldwide to cover 3,800+ institutions. We’re confident this move will open new opportunities for NZJB and its editorial community.

Responsibilities of Associate Editors Include:

• Identifying themes for special issues, which you may also help to organise and/or guest-edit.
• Managing the peer-review and final decision process for approximately 5-10 manuscripts per year in a fair, timely, and thorough manner.
• Contributing at least one paper for publication during each term of service.
• Attracting new authors and submissions, including special issue proposals, to enhance the journal’s project pipeline.
• Advising on journal policy and scope.
• Acting as an advisor in complex publishing ethics discussions when needed.
• Promoting the journal to peers and colleagues and representing the journal at conferences.

To Be Considered for the Position, You Will Have:

• A strong record of peer-reviewed publications (appropriate to career stage).
• Experience as a regular reviewer for plant science journals.
• An excellent network of contacts regionally and internationally.
• An interest in digital communication and scholarly publishing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise, effectively.
• The capability to critically assess the novelty, context, and implications of submitted research.
• A willingness to engage constructively with authors and support then in aligning their work with the journal’s aims.
• The ability to work cooperatively with fellow editors.
• Applicants do not need to be affiliated with Royal Society Te Apārangi to be considered for this role.

Term: The first term of appointment will be 2 years, with the possibility of renewal by mutual agreement.

How to Apply: Applicants should submit a two-page CV and a one-page cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their skills, knowledge, and background would contribute to the journal.

Please send your application by email to Publish@royalsociety.org.nz.

The editorial team is committed to advancing gender equality and promoting diversity.

Closing Date: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until 10 April 2026; therefore, early applications are encouraged.

We will get back to candidates of interest within a month to arrange further details. If you do not receive a reply, please assume that we have considered your application but have chosen not to progress it further.