Call for Applications | Associate Editor for the British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
Associate Editor
British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies (BJMES)
The British Society for Middle Eastern Studies invites applications for the position of Associate Editor for its flagship publication, the British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies (BJMES).
About the Journal
Founded in 1974 (as the BRISMES Bulletin) and renamed in 1991, BJMES is a leading peer-reviewed journal publishing cutting-edge scholarship on the Middle East from late antiquity to the present. The journal maintains a strong interdisciplinary profile, covering history, politics, economics, anthropology, sociology, literature, religion, and related fields.
BJMES publishes approximately 65 research articles annually across five issues, alongside a substantial and influential book review section. All research articles undergo rigorous double-blind peer review.
The Role
The Associate Editor plays a central role in the editorial team, working closely with the Editor-in-Chief, Book Reviews Editor, and a team of 5 fellow Associate Editors to manage manuscript submissions and uphold the journal’s high academic standards.
This is an excellent opportunity for an established or emerging scholar to gain editorial experience and contribute to shaping the field of Middle Eastern Studies.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the peer review process for assigned manuscripts using the ScholarOne system
- Conduct initial editorial screening of submissions
- Identify and invite appropriate expert reviewers
- Monitor the progress of reviews and ensure timely completion
- Assess referee reports and make recommendations to the Editor-in-Chief
- Support authors through revisions and provide constructive editorial feedback
- Contribute to the journal’s development by encouraging high-quality submissions and promoting the journal within academic networks
- Uphold ethical standards in line with best practices in academic publishing
Person Specification
Essential:
- Expertise in Middle Eastern Studies
- Reading knowledge of Arabic
- A strong research profile and active engagement in the field
- Experience as an author and/or peer reviewer for academic journals
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
Desirable:
- Expert in modern history and/or international politics of the MENA region
- Knowledge of additional regional languages (e.g. Turkish or Persian)
- Familiarity with manuscript management systems such as ScholarOne
Time Commitment & Terms
- Approximately 3-4 hours per week on average
- Workload shared among a team of Associate Editors
- Initial training provided (including use of ScholarOne)
- Annual honorarium: £1,500
Why Apply?
This role offers:
- Valuable editorial experience with a leading international journal
- The opportunity to shape scholarship in Middle Eastern Studies
- Professional networking within a global academic community
- Insight into academic publishing and peer review processes
How to Apply
Applications should consist of a letter outlining why the candidate would like the position (maximum two pages), in addition to a CV. Applications should be sent to office@brismes.org by midnight (UK time) on 31 May 2026.
More Information
We welcome the opportunity to discuss the role informally or to answer any questions. Please contact office@brismes.org to arrange a conversation.