18 August 2026—The Seismological Society of America announces its search for the next editor-in-chief (EIC) of Seismological Research Letters (SRL).
Nominations for the position, including self-nominations, will be accepted through January 2027.
SSA has initiated the search to replace the journal’s current EIC Allison Bent, who began her term in 2019.
SRL publishes original peer-reviewed research on seismology and related topics of interest to the broad geoscience community. Its research papers present concise, focused studies that may center on a specific method, data set or event assessed through a multidisciplinary lens. The journal also features periodic special content and regular sections for papers on topics including emerging research, historical seismology, technology-driven advancements and special data collections.
The journal also plays a key role in supporting SSA’s core purpose of advancing seismology and the understanding of earthquakes for the benefit of society. Revenues from its publication enable the nonprofit Society to provide a host of professional benefits for its members.
The SRL EIC is a volunteer position that serves at the pleasure of the SSA Board of Directors. SSA anticipates a five-year agreement beginning by the end of 2027. SSA will provide a modest annual honorarium.
Role and Responsibilities of SRL Editor-in-Chief
As editorial leader, the EIC ensures the journal’s continued importance and service to the community by recruiting the best submissions, maintaining the quality and integrity of the peer-review process and serving as an ambassador for SSA.
The EIC’s primary responsibility is to make the final decisions on submitted papers based on the recommendations of a diverse and global Editorial Board of Associate Editors. The EIC oversees the Editorial Board, which includes a Deputy Editor-in-Chief.
The EIC will be expected to interface with the journal’s online submission and peer review system on a daily basis to move articles forward by making editorial assignments and/or decisions on manuscripts.
The EIC is the primary public face and spokesperson for the journal and is responsible for developing the special content or “focus sections” that are vital to the journal’s success.
Additionally, the EIC is responsible for:
- Maintaining the highest standards of editorial oversight and best practices for SRL;
- Overseeing the well-defined peer review procedures to ensure rigorous, timely and fair peer review;
- Setting standards for desk rejections and/or transfers to other journals in the SSA portfolio, as appropriate;
- Recruiting Associate Editors to serve on the Editorial Board as needed;
- Developing a pool of reviewers representing the broad scope of seismology;
- Maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of manuscripts in peer review and corresponding with authors, editors, reviewers and readers regarding peer review and/or manuscript decisions;
- Responding to any disputes with authors and incidences of error and/or allegations of misconduct or research integrity;
- Working collaboratively with SSA’s press officer to promote articles; and
- Working collaboratively with Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America (BSSA) EIC, The Seismic Record (TSR) EIC and the rest of the SSA Publications Leadership: chair of the Publications Committee, SSA executive director and SSA publications director.
Qualifications and Required Skills
The EIC will:
- be a member of SSA;
- be an active researcher and recognized expert in the seismology and earthquake science community with a broad knowledge of the field;
- have a background that reflects high standards in research and publication;
- be in a position to attract respected experts to serve on the Editorial Board;
- be able to dedicate the time necessary to fulfill the obligations of the editor-in-chief role;
- possess editorial experience and an understanding of the online editorial process;
- be fair and trustworthy while possessing the ability to make difficult decisions;
- be committed to integrity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of the publishing process;
- be interested in the evolving business models and relevant technological advances in publishing;
- demonstrate strong leadership, organizational and communication skills, with a focus on service and positive author experiences.
Candidate Profile and Nomination Process
The EIC will be well regarded in the seismological community and have excellent credentials, exceptionally good judgment, strong communications skills and must actively support the ethical standards described by the SSA Professional Ethics Policy.
SSA will accept nominations, including self-nominations, through January 2027. The transition to a new EIC for SSA is scheduled for late 2027. SSA Publications Chair John Townend leads the search committee, which includes Diane Doser, Doug Dreger and Ivan Wong. Nominations and applications are welcomed and encouraged at this form, and questions can be sent directly to SSA at search@seismosoc.org.