Vacancy: Editor-in-chief for Journal for the History of Knowledge

2025-07-01

Vacancy: Editor-in-chief for Journal for the History of Knowledge

The Journal for the History of Knowledge seeks a new co-editor-in-chief affiliated to a Belgian or Dutch institution to join Professor Sven Dupré (Utrecht University, The Netherlands). The Journal for the History of Knowledge is a leading Diamond Open Access, peer-reviewed international journal devoted to the history of knowledge in its broadest sense. This includes the study of science, but also of indigenous, artisanal, and other types of knowledge as well as the history of knowledge developed in the humanities and social sciences. The journal is published by Open Journals (online) and Brepols Publishers (print on demand) on behalf of Gewina, The Belgian-Dutch Society for the History of Science and Universities, a non-profit organisation registered in the Netherlands. The new editor will succeed Dr Geert Somsen per January 5, 2026. The journal’s editorial team consists of two editors-in-chief, a managing editor (Dr Wouter Egelmeers, Huygens Institute, The Netherlands), an assistant managing editor (Tommaso Tonello), and a blog editor (Dr Hannah Booth).

We welcome applications from candidates based at a Belgian or Dutch academic institution who have a clear affinity with the history of knowledge or a related field. The ideal candidate will have a strong publication record that enables them to support authors in the editorial process, and a broad understanding of the field to help identify reviewers and encourage submissions. Familiarity with open access practices and policies is highly desirable, and prior editorial experience is a plus. We are committed to increasing editorial diversity and warmly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

Duties

It is expected that the two editors-in-chief share the workload in equal terms as far as possible, including:

  • Co-leading the editorial team of managing editor, assistant managing editor and editorial board.
  • Overseeing the review process and leading the successions of comments and revisions.
  • Dealing with incoming manuscripts.
  • Soliciting submissions.
  • Strategically developing the journal’s direction.
  • Promoting the journal to enhance its visibility.
  • Safeguarding the journal’s Diamond Open Access character.

Meetings

In addition to regular editorial meetings, there are usually three Gewina board meetings per year during which one editor-in-chief represents the journal.

No Allowance

This is an unpaid academic position. Therefore, candidates should have a strong institutional affiliation and are expected to secure adequate institutional support to fulfill the role of editor-in-chief. Such support might include protected time for editorial duties, administrative infrastructure, formal acknowledgment of editorial responsibilities within their academic workload, and some travel allowance.

To Apply

Please send your CV (no more than 6 pages), and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages). The application should provide a brief statement of why the candidate is attracted to the post, an outline of what they would contribute to Journal for the History of Knowledge, and a synopsis of their relevant experience. Applications should be emailed to Dr Floor Haalboom at a.haalboom@erasmusmc.nl.

Application Deadline: September 26, 2025

The selection committee consists of editor-in-chief Professor Sven Dupré, managing editor Dr Wouter Egelmeers, and Gewina president Dr Floor Haalboom (chair). Interviews will be held on Wednesday October 15 (first round), and Friday October 31 (optional second round), preferably in person in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Applicants will hear on Friday October 3 whether they are invited for an interview.

Informal enquiries about the nature of the post can be made by e-mail to Dr Geert Somsen at g.somsen@maastrichtuniversity.nl or Professor Sven Dupré at s.g.m.dupre@uu.nl.  

Further details about the Journal for the History of Knowledge and Gewina, The Belgian-Dutch Society for the History of Science and Universities can be found online.