JDS Communications: Call for Editor in Chief
JDS Communications, a journal of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA),
is seeking its next Editor in Chief to begin duties in January 2027.
This is an incredible
opportunity to truly make a difference in dairy science. To ensure full
consideration, candidates should review the role responsibilities and
qualifications below, and apply by July 15, 2026.
Now in its seventh year of
publication, JDS Communications publishes high-quality research on the
production of milk on farms to the processing and consumption of milk by people,
demonstrating its strength in farm-to-table science. More formally, JDS Communications publishes narrowly focused, hypothesis-driven
original research studies designed to answer a specific question on the production
or processing of milk or milk products intended for human consumption. In addition
to short research articles, JDS Communications publishes
mini-reviews (unsolicited, concise review papers) and special issues on a
variety of topics. Research published in this journal is broadly divided into the
production of milk from food animals (nutrition, physiology, health, genetics, and
management) and processing of milk for human consumption (dairy foods). JDS Communications is an open-access journal that aims for
rapid turnaround and a short time to publication.
ADSA is looking for those
with an interest in scientific publishing to consider this opportunity to shape
the direction of the journal while working with its authors, editors, readers, and
reviewers to ensure its future success. The role requires approximately five hours
per week, including a weekly one-hour meeting with journal staff to resolve any
matters arising and plan new initiatives as well as monthly ADSA board meetings
and the ADSA Annual and Midyear Meetings. The editor in chief has a highly visible
role within the American Dairy Science Association and in the larger dairy science
community, and often collaborates closely with the editor in chief of the Journal of Dairy Science.
Responsibilities and
Expectations
The editor in chief
reports to the
board of the American Dairy Science Association. Some of the
responsibilities for this three-year term are to
- provide strategic leadership and vision
to the journal;
- lead the effort to define the journal’s scope
and, in conjunction with the section editors, to implement, advise on, and
adhere to journal policies;
- support, train, mentor, and lead a team
of section editors in managing the peer-review process to ensure quality
decisions and timely handling of submissions;
- work with journal and association staff
to review articles, finalize issues, and promote the journal;
- communicate with authors, editors,
reviewers, and readers regarding all aspects of the journal;
- represent the journal and ADSA at
scientific meetings;
- serve in an ex-officio role on the ADSA
Board of Directors and the ADSA Executive Committee to champion JDSC,
provide background information and context for the journals, and generally
support the journals;
- communicate and work with the journal’s
publisher to ensure quality and timeliness of publication
- spearhead strategic initiatives to
advance the journal's goals; and
- stay abreast of the field and develop strong
relationships with the research community
Required Qualifications
Candidates
should possess a terminal degree in dairy science (i.e., PhD, DVM, or
equivalent) or a closely related field. In addition, candidates should have
direct experience as an editor or editorial board member with either the Journal
of Dairy Science or JDS Communications. Candidates should have
demonstrated excellence in leadership and scientific publishing. The position
requires strong communication skills, an outstanding ability to meet deadlines,
and close collaboration with journal staff and the executive director of ADSA.
Application Process
This
is an incredible opportunity to truly make a difference in dairy science. To
ensure full consideration, candidates should apply by July 15, 2026. The search
will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.
Please
consider this opportunity to write a new chapter in your career as a dairy
scientist and send a letter of intent, curriculum
vitae, and contact information for three professional references (name, title,
address, phone, email) to ADSA Executive
Director Jerry Bowman at jbowman@adsa.org.
The
letter of intent should address the following topics and should be no longer
than 3 pages in total:
- Describe your experience in an editorial
capacity of a peer-reviewed journal (including authoring, reviewing,
serving on editorial boards, etc.).
- Describe your leadership experience and
any experience you have mentoring teams.
- Describe communication with different
levels of stakeholders.
- Describe how you would prioritize the
responsibilities of this position.
- Finally, describe your vision for the
journal.