Annals Editor-in-Chief (EiC)

The Annals, our leading pan-surgical research journal, seeks a new Editor-in-Chief for July 2026. This voluntary role offers the chance to drive the direction of surgical publishing, guide an expert editorial board and promote high-quality research for the surgical community.  

It’s an opportunity to give back to the surgical profession, develop your leadership and editorial skills, and join a respected community that sets the standard for surgical research—in the UK and internationally.

Who can apply

To be eligible for the Editor-in-Chief role, candidates must: 

  • be an established or honorary consultant, SAS surgeon or equivalent senior medical appointment in the NHS (active or retired in the last 12 months) and must be a fellow of RCS England;
  • have proven editorial experience at a medical research journal (national or international);
  • be an advocate for innovation and integrity in medical publishing. 

We're looking for someone who has:

  • strategic vision for journal development;
  • aptitude for team leadership and energising others;
  • commitment to best practice and integrity in research and publishing, including knowledge of publication misconduct;
  • effective communication and relationship management with stakeholders across the publishing process;
  • awareness of current trends in medical publishing;
  • ability to embrace new technologies and working methods;
  • enthusiasm for promoting the journal and attracting new submissions.

What to expect as Editor-in-Chief

Annals is a fully open-access, online journal, publishing eight issues per year. The editorial board includes 23 experts from all surgical specialties. The journal is indexed in PubMed, PMC, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus, with a current impact factor of 1.7. 

This is an unpaid, voluntary position. 

Responsibilities

  • Select and appoint editorial board members to represent all surgical specialties and serve as specialty editors. You will also act as a point of referral for specialty editors. 
  • Guide the journal’s strategic vision alongside the editorial board and publishing team. This includes developing new sections of the journal and defining policies related to publishing ethics, peer review and open access. 
  • Oversee the editorial and peer review process, maintaining fairness and timeliness. 
  • Make final editorial decisions on journal content, ensuring scientific rigour, integrity and alignment with the aims and scope of the journal. 
  • Lead regular editorial board meetings to develop and implement strategies for journal processes, content and the editorial board. 
  • Act as an ambassador for the journal through events, editorials, social media and your interactions with the surgical community. 
  • Address issues of research integrity and publishing ethics, in collaboration with the Journal Council Lead, Director of Communications and Head of Publishing. 
  • Adhere to the College’s Code of Conduct, reflecting the values and professionalism expected of everyone affiliated with the College.  

Time commitment

You will need to commit approximately two to three hours per week as the Annals EiC. 

The benefits of being Editor-in-Chief

  • Lead a respected, pan-surgical journal with a global reach.
  • Influence the direction of surgical research and publishing.
  • Collaborate with an expert editorial board and publishing team.
  • Gain professional recognition and leadership experience.
  • Advocate for innovation and integrity in medical publishing.

Terms of the post

  • Initial trial term: 1 year.
  • First term: 2 years (following a successful initial trial term).
  • Second term: 3 years (subject to agreement between the postholder and RCS England).

Apply to become Editor-in-Chief

Ready to begin your next chapter? Submit your CV and a proposal outlining your vision for the journal (max. 3 pages of A4). A strong application will address: 

  • how you envisage the Annals’ overall scope and goals, including ideas for broadening its reach; 
  • strengths of the journal, as well as opportunities for improvement; 
  • innovative editorial and/or operational developments that can improve publication quality and timelines; 
  • your thoughts on the challenges medical publishing could face in the next five years and how you would address them;
  • the qualities and experience that make you suited to the role; 
  • any other relevant information that supports your application. 

Please submit your proposal by Friday 30 January 2026 to Mandy Webb, Head of Publishing for the College, at mwebb@rcseng.ac.uk.

Interviews will be scheduled throughout February and March 2026.

Contact

If you have any questions about the Editor-in-Chief role, email mwebb@rcseng.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

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