The Population Council invites applications for Editors of Population and Development Review. Individual applications as well as applications for Co-Editors will be considered.
PDR seeks to advance knowledge of the relationships between population and social, economic, and environmental change, and provides a forum for discussion of related public policy issues. Articles span all geographies, include theoretical advances as well as empirical analyses and case studies, employ a broad range of disciplinary approaches, and address historical and present-day problems.
The journal is published by Wiley on behalf of the Council. Two Editors will be appointed for a three-year term, beginning January 1, 2027. The term can be extended to five years total at the discretion of the Council. Population Council staff support journal operations—processing peer review, project managing workflow, and coordinating production tasks. Editors meet weekly online with Council staff, and bi-monthly with the editorial committee. PDR welcomes applications from
experts across diverse identities, regions, and academic/research institutions. PDR also welcomes applications for CoEditor teams that pair senior scholars
working with mid-career scholars.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure an efficient and fair peer review process, collaborating with the editorial committee to conduct initial manuscript assessments, identifying and securing reviewers, evaluating reviews, making editorial decisions, and communicating decisions to authors.
- Maintain, develop, and refine journal vision, scope, and strategic direction.
- Proactively solicit high-quality submissions that demonstrate scholarly rigor, contribute to the discipline, and address issues of societal relevance.
- Attend online meetings with the Council’s editorial staff and editorial committee.
- Collaborate with the Council’s editorial staff on reporting, operations, and new initiatives.
- Recruit new members to join the editorial committee as existing members’ terms end.
- Advocate for the journal, developing its profile, visibility and reach.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with authors, reviewers, the editorial committee, editorial staff, and other journal stakeholders.
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Current or emeritus status at an academic or relevant research institution.
- A strong record of scholarship within the content and methodological fields relevant to PDR.
- Service and experience as a reviewer/editor/author, and scope of scientific network.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, and editorial skills to support journal operations.
- Effective communication skills and embrace of new technologies.
- Clear understanding of the journal’s mission and the ability to articulate a compelling intellectual vision for the journal.
- Understanding of innovations and ongoing shifts in scholarly publishing.
- A commitment to ongoing diversity and inclusion efforts within our scholarly community.
Honorarium: The Population Council provides an annual honorarium. Details will be shared with finalists.
Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
Application Materials:
- A CV for each candidate.
- A statement (one document) that includes: 1. Your (and Co-Editor’s) relevant experience, interests, service to the field, and motivation for the position. 2. A brief vision for the journal. 3. How you learned about the opportunity. 4. (Optional) Any institutional support (e.g., course releases, funds for an editorial assistant, PAA travel). Support is not required for a successful application.
Send questions and application materials to: Rachel Friedman, Associate Director/Managing Editor, rfriedman@popcouncil.org
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