The Journal of Neonatal Nursing is the official journal of the Neonatal Nurses Association (NNA) and publishes articles on all aspects of neonatal nursing practice, research, and education.
The Journal of Neonatal Nursing is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to neonatal nurses and multidisciplinary professionals involved in neonatal care. It aims to promote neonatal nursing excellence through dissemination of high-quality research findings, specialist knowledge and discussion of professional issues that reflect the diversity of this field. With an international readership and authorship, it provides a platform for nurses worldwide to communicate and enhance the evidence-base of neonatal care.
You can read the journals full aims and scope here.
We are excited to seek applications for an innovative and motivated Editor-in-Chief to lead the editorial team. The successful applicant will work with the associate editor and editorial board team to continue to strengthen the journals impact and reach as a core resource for neonatal nursing. There is an annual honorarium for the EiC role which will start in October 2026, for an initial term of 1 year.
The Journal of Neonatal Nursing is committed to advancing practice through an enhanced understanding of global and diverse perspectives within neonatal care. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and locations, to ensure representation of these global perspectives in the editorial process.
The Editor-in-Chief will demonstrate the following:
- Recognised leadership in the field of neonatal nursing practice, education, or research
- A track record as a published author and a peer reviewer, alongside the ability and commitment to supporting authors to publish
- Advanced knowledge of research methods, design, and international ethical standards for publication
- Sound scientific judgment and willingness to make strong editorial decisions
- Awareness of trends within knowledge dissemination and openness to new ideas
- Ability to address sensitive matters diplomatically, sensitively and considerately
- Excellent communication and digital literacy skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with the editorial team and the board of the Neonatal Nurses Association (NNA)
- A demonstrable commitment to the mission statement of the Neonatal Nurses Association (NNA) (embed link)
- A flexible and collaborative approach to working alongside the publisher and editorial board to meet the demands of academic publishing
Job Description
The role of the Editor in Chief will be to work alongside the associate editor and editorial team to develop the strategy of the journal and build its international reach and impact. The EiC will be responsible for (amongst others):
- Overseeing submission of papers to the journal, selecting papers which meet the journal remit, assigning papers to the Associate Editor using an online editorial management system
- Making final decisions on submissions following peer review and communicate to authors as appropriate
- Working with the Publisher to ensure timely processing and publication of accepted manuscripts
- Maintaining high standards of the peer review process and ensuring all publications meet the requirements of publishing standards (research integrity and ethics)
- Monitoring and managing any ethical cases or concerns raised by submissions to the journal
- Reviewing and developing the editorial board team to ensure global diversity in the editorial process and enhancement of neonatal nursing knowledge
- Ensuring a close working relationship and regular communication with the editorial board team to foster a sense of community within the Journal of Neonatal Nursing review team
- Respond to any queries relating to content and oversight of the journal, and the publishing process
- Leading editorial meetings with the Publisher and the Neonatal Nursing Association to provide communication around journal performance and strategy development
Desired attributes and selection criteria:
Willingness to work collaboratively with the published and the Neonatal Nurses Association
A leader in the field of neonatal nursing with a PhD degree or equivalent
Strong practice, education, or research record and evidence of leadership and networking in the field
Ability to prioritise competing demands and work to deadlines
Ability to make communicate effectively and make sound scientific decision making throughout the publishing process
Familiarity and prior involvement as an author, reviewer, or editorial board team member
Familiarity with online submission and peer review systems, including Editorial Manager
Prior editorial experience preferred, for example as Editor or Special Issue Guest Editor
Enthusiasm and a strategic vision for further enhancing the journal’s impact and reputation
Willingness to proactively promote and advocate for the journal, both online and at relevant conferences
Apply by sending your CV with a covering letter explaining why you are the best person for the role and what you would bring to the JNN.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday 19th September. Interviews will take place the week commencing 29th September.