The International Society for Arts, Science, and Technology is seeking a highly respected and experienced Editor-in-Chief for the prestigious role of Leonardo Books to lead our visionary book series published with MIT Press. This volunteer position offers the opportunity to oversee the intellectual direction of the series, collaborate with thought leaders, and shape the future of interdisciplinary scholarship. The Editor-in-Chief will work closely with the Leonardo editorial team, the MIT Press acquisitions team, and provide editorial oversight from proposal selection to final publication.  

Key Responsibilities

Book Series Leadership:

• Build on the established reputation and intellectual legacy of the book series, ensuring it continues to align with Leonardo/ISAST’s mission and high standards.

• Refine and expand the series’ scope by incorporating emerging trends and topics at the intersection of art, science, and technology.

• Serve as the series' public ambassador, representing its goals and achievements to the scholarly community and broader audiences.

Collaboration:

• Partner with the MIT Press acquisitions team to identify and attract groundbreaking projects.

• Contribute to acquisitions strategy by leveraging expertise to evaluate potential manuscripts and proposals.

• Partner with Leonardo’s publications team to elevate and amplify topics of interest to Leonardo’s mission.  

Manuscript Review and Peer-Review Management:

• Lead the selection process for manuscripts, ensuring alignment with the series' objectives.

• Work with authors and the MIT Press editorial team to ensure high-quality scholarship and engaging content, balancing scholarly rigor with accessibility.

• Assist in identifying, recruiting and retaining qualified peer reviewers to provide rigorous evaluations.

• Collaborate with reviewers and authors to address feedback and refine submissions.

Community Engagement:

• Build and nurture relationships with scholars, practitioners, and institutions in art, science, and technology.

• Represent the book series at conferences, symposia, and other professional events to enhance visibility and reputation.

Qualifications

Leadership and Vision:

• Established reputation as a thought leader in the fields of art, science, and technology.

• Proven ability to define and execute an intellectual vision for interdisciplinary projects.

Expertise and Experience:

• Demonstrated track record in publishing, editing, or curating academic or interdisciplinary works.

• Deep understanding of the intersections between art, science, and technology and an ability to identify emerging trends in the field.

Collaborative and Organizational Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with authors, reviewers, MIT Press team, and the Leonardo publications team.

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.

Peer-Review Facilitation:

• Broad network of experts in the field to identify and engage qualified reviewers.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A cover letter outlining their vision for the series and relevant experience.

• A current CV or resume.

• Two references familiar with their leadership and editorial capabilities.

• Applications should be submitted to editor@leonardo.info by January 24, 2025.