Several exciting roles have opened up in the team for our leading pedagogical research journal, Developing Academic Practice. The first is a call for a new Editor in Chief, the second opportunity is a call for members of the Associate Editorial Team and/or Advisory Board.
The journal’s current editorial team are seeking a new editor in chief, as well as several colleagues to join the editorial board as Associate Editors, and the journal’s advisory board, supporting the effective operation and continued development of the journal. Voluntary involvement in the process lends itself well to enhancing impact and experience which can be very useful in applications for Fellowship with Advance HE and SEDA as well as internal promotion applications.
The journal: Developing Academic Practice
The University of Liverpool journal, Developing Academic Practice is owned and coordinated by the Academy and was launched in January 2021. Open Access, and published by Liverpool University Press, the peer-reviewed journal is designed to develop and celebrate scholarship in academic practice, and to provide an open platform to disseminate innovation and contributions to educational research in an open, creative and collaborative publication.
Why become involved with the journal?
The journal offers a genuinely exciting opportunity for you to become part of a vibrant journal and rapidly developing publication with global reach. The journal’s team works closely with Liverpool University Press and uses ScholarOne for processing papers. As part of a friendly and dynamic team you will have a great opportunity to contribute to the emerging discussions in the field of teaching and professional practice in higher education. The journal provides you with an opportunity to support the development of research skills in those early in their careers and to comment critically on cutting edge research in Higher Education.
ROLE: Editor-in-Chief
We are seeking an experienced and committed individual to serve as Editor of our scholarship journal. This prestigious role offers an opportunity to shape and support the academic development of staff and students at the University of Liverpool through the dissemination of scholarly work in learning and teaching. Prior experience in an editorial role is highly desirable, and a demonstrated record of supporting Editorial Boards is essential.
The Editor works in collaboration with the Academy to provide strategic and operational leadership for the journal, ensuring its continued academic integrity and smooth administration. Working closely with the Associate Editors and the wider Editorial and Advisory Boards, the Editor plays a central role in shaping the journal’s direction and thematic focus. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to scholarly excellence, collegial leadership, and the promotion of pedagogic research and practice.
Desirable Attributes
- A strong background in academic publishing, editorial experience, or scholarly activity related to learning, teaching, and academic practice.
- A clear vision for the journal’s development and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative academic community.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to lead collaboratively.
Key Responsibilities
- Convene and chair regular meetings (typically monthly) with the Editorial and Advisory Boards to identify themes and areas of focus for upcoming issues.
- Provide oversight of editorial processes, including the allocation of submissions to Associate Editors for peer review coordination.
- Occasionally contribute to the peer review process and provide expert judgement on the suitability of manuscripts for publication.
- Recommend appropriate referees for submitted manuscripts and make executive editorial decisions where necessary.
- Maintain active communication and collaboration with Liverpool University Press to support publication workflows and timelines.
- Assist in the identification and solicitation of high-quality contributions to the journal.
- Provide guidance and support throughout the editorial and revision process to ensure clarity, rigour, and coherence in published content.
- Champion the journal within and beyond the University, contributing to the development of marketing and outreach strategies to enhance its visibility and readership.
- Contribute to discussions and planning related to Special Issues
- Support the aims of the Academy, particularly in relation to staff development, by contributing to initiatives that foster professional growth and scholarly engagement.
- Report regularly to Head of Academic Development, ensuring clear lines of communication, connection, and accountability around progress, challenges, and emerging opportunities.
ROLE: Editorial team, Associate Editors
Associate Editors work closely with the Editor and fellow board members to ensure the journal maintains its high academic standards and editorial efficiency. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of scholarly work in learning and teaching, while gaining valuable editorial and peer review experience.
Desirable Attributes
- A demonstrated interest in academic practice, scholarship of teaching and learning, or higher education research.
- Experience in peer review, academic publishing, or editorial processes, or a willingness to develop these skills.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a distributed editorial team.
- Commitment to promoting inclusive, ethical, and high-quality academic standards in publishing.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Editor and other Associate Editors in identifying relevant themes and focus areas for future issues.
- Manage the peer review process for a portfolio of submitted manuscripts, including the selection and invitation of appropriate reviewers.
- Provide support for peer review and offer informed recommendations regarding the suitability of manuscripts for publication.
- Serve as a point of contact for prospective contributors, providing guidance on submissions and journal scope.
- Assist in sourcing high-quality contributions that align with the journal’s aims and thematic direction.
- Contribute to the editorial and revision process to ensure academic rigour, clarity, and coherence.
- Actively support the promotion and visibility of the journal within relevant academic communities.
- Support the aims of the Academy, particularly in relation to staff development, by contributing to initiatives that foster professional growth and scholarly engagement.
ROLE: Editorial Advisory Board
The Academy is looking for several colleagues to support Associate Editors and be involved in evaluating article submissions with a view to maintaining standards within the journal. There will be opportunities for Editorial Advisory Board members to further contribute to the journal for example, acting as Guest editor for special editions.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in reviewer training sessions as required to ensure consistency and quality in the review process.
- Undertake peer review of up to four article submissions per year, as requested by the relevant Associate Editor.
- Attend up to four Editorial Board meetings annually to contribute to the ongoing development of the journal.
- Provide informed recommendations to the Editorial Board regarding the journal’s strategic direction, thematic priorities, and scope.
- Support the aims of the Academy, particularly in relation to staff development, by contributing to initiatives that foster professional growth and scholarly engagement.
Terms & Contact
Editor term: 2 years initially, extending by agreement through Dr Sue Bolt, Head of Academic Development and Dr James Howard, Director of the Academy.
Associate Editor term: 2 years, extending by agreement.
Experience of publishing and reviewing would be advantageous. If you would like to be considered for any of these listed roles, please send a current CV and expression of interest of up to 500 words detailing areas of expertise and relevant experience to theacademy@Liverpool.ac.uk.
For any further details, or if you would like to discuss the role, please contact Dr. Treasa Kearney (Interim Editor), on Tkearney@liverpool.ac.uk.
Deadline for applications for all roles:
Applications for the role demonstrating how your experience matches the criteria outlined in desirable attributes and key responsibilities should be made by 15th of August 2025. Appointments will be made week of the 15th of September. There will be an internal selection Panel consisting existing of Editorial Board Members and other senior colleagues from across the University.
The successful applicant will receive an induction to support their transition into the role as Editor of Developing Academic Practice.
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