The British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies (BJMES) is Seeking a New Editor

BRISMES is seeking to appoint a new Editor to lead the journal following the stepping down of long-serving editor, Professor Lloyd Ridgeon. This is an exciting opportunity to refresh the journal and provide research leadership in critical scholarship in the field of Middle East Studies. Candidates should have a broad interdisciplinary knowledge of the field and be open to a wide range of research submitted from different parts of the world, and through various disciplinary, intellectual, and methodological orientations. Prior editorial experience is essential for this post, as is familiarity and engagement with the Society and its aims. The journal particularly welcomes candidates experienced in supporting early career colleagues in publishing internationally, in line with the Society's endeavours to democratise the field. Knowledge of the journal management system ScholarOne Manuscripts and familiarity with the publishing context in the UK are desirable, though not essential to be considered for the post. 

About the Role

This role is a great opportunity for an academic with a strong background in research on the Middle East and North Africa region to contribute to the development of the journal, building on the excellent foundations already established by Professor Ridgeon over past decade. The British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies is committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion across the editorial team, reviewer network and decision-making processes, in order to represent the diverse research community working in this field. In this role, the Editor will work closely with authors from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds to bring a range of scholarly voices and perspectives to publication. 

Given the intellectual leadership this role entails, the role would suit a mid-career or senior scholar with an established and respected reputation in the field who is keen to make a significant impact on the scholarly field and is able to dedicate the requisite time and attention to the journal. The Editor receives an annual honorarium of £3,000.  The Editor will serve a term of five years in the first instance, renewable for additional one-year terms by mutual agreement, starting in December 2026, with a six-month handover period beginning in July 2026.  

The Editor will cultivate a network that fosters and supports inclusion, diversity and equity and will work to achieve the journal’s mission by performing the following functions: 

• Overall responsibility for ensuring the smooth operation of the journal and regular, high-quality content and issues. 
• Development of the strategy and direction of the journal. 
• Oversight of a rigorous and transparent peer review process through an online submission system, ensuring the delivery of content of appropriate scope and quality within agreed publication timeframes. This includes selecting and contacting reviewers, communicating with authors, managing revisions and resubmissions, making final decisions on papers handled by Associate Editors, and ensuring that all reviewers and authors uphold the journal’s code of publishing ethics. 
• Encouraging the submission of manuscripts to the journal from established researchers in the field and from promising early career scholars. 
• Reviewing and expanding the pool of reviewers, in terms of size, expertise and geographical representation. 
• Acting as an ambassador for the journal, e.g. promoting the journal at conferences. 
• Organising regular meetings with the Associate Editors (at least twice per year through an online/hybrid arrangement) and maintaining active correspondence with the team. 

Becoming the Editor of a journal is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, offering opportunities to draw on and expand professional networks, develop and promote research in the field of Middle East Studies, and gain recognition as a leading figure within the academic community. 

How to Apply

Applications should consist of a letter outlining the candidate's editorial experience and their vision for the journal (maximum two pages) in addition to a CV. Applications should be sent to office@brismes.org by 17:00 (UK time) on 30 March 2026.

More Information

We welcome the chance to informally discuss the role and potential interest or address any questions. We also welcome joint applications from two candidates wishing to share the role. To discuss this and any other questions please contact office@brismes.org. 

Further details about the journal are available via the link below.