The MESA Board of Directors invites applications and nominations for the next editor of the International Journal of Middle East Studies (IJMES) for a five-year term beginning July 1, 2025. Candidates should be internationally recognized Middle East scholars based in North America in either the humanities or the social sciences and be affiliated with an academic institution prepared to contribute space and support to an editorial office. Applications should include a statement of interest, a CV, and a proposal for this institutional contribution, endorsed by the institution involved.
The preferred candidate is a senior scholar at the rank or equivalent of full or advanced associate professor, with a strong publishing record and significant editorial experience; with extensive contacts throughout the broader field of Middle East Studies; and with the capacity to ensure institutional support.
The statement of interest should include the candidate’s vision for the journal, and their relevant background (including experience with editing and management), as well as demonstrating broad networks across the disciplines of Middle East Studies.
The editor is responsible for ensuring the quality of IJMES as the leading interdisciplinary English-language journal in the field. Editorial duties include establishing editorial policy in consultation with the MESA Board of Directors; working directly and primarily with Cambridge University Press (CUP), which publishes IJMES; managing the ScholarOne online system now used by the journal; administering the peer-review selection process; compiling the book review section in conjunction with book review editors; suggesting revisions for manuscripts; nominating book review editors and members of the editorial board for review and approval by MESA’s Board of Directors and CUP; and overseeing the editing and production of the four issues that make up an IJMES volume. Support from the institution with which the editor is affiliated could consist of office space and equipment for the editor and managing editor, support for a graduate student assistant (or financial support that will cover salary for an administrative assistant), postage and incidental expenses, and/or release time from teaching for the editor. CUP also provides some financial support for the editorial office including a salary for the managing editor. The editor and CUP will determine the way in which CUP’s contribution is to be allocated. The editor receives a modest annual stipend from CUP.
In addition, MESA provides for the editor’s travel and two nights’ lodging at the annual meeting. The editor prepares a written report presented at the fall board meeting and at the MESA Members Meeting, which are both held in conjunction with the annual meeting. They also serve as a member of MESA’s Publications Committee.
Inquiries should be addressed to Jeff Reger at 520-333-2577 x106 or [email protected].
Applications with letter(s) of institutional commitment should be sent to [email protected].
Application review will begin June 2024, and continue until a new editor is identified.