Deadline: 30 September 2025
About the role
The Regional Studies Association seeks to appoint two Editors to the journal, Regional Studies, Regional Science. The successful candidate will join the existing team of Editors in managing the peer review of general submissions in their area of expertise, enhancing the journal’s reputation as a world-leading publication in the field of regional studies, and ensuring that it is positioned to attract the best authors and papers for its readership.
At this time, we welcome applications from candidates based in China and North America.
About the Journal
Regional Studies, Regional Science (RSRS) is an open access journal about regional and urban issues in geography, economics, regional science, environmental studies, planning and governance. RSRS explores a wide range of topics from across the social sciences which generally prefer focusing on regional scale. We particularly welcome the following types of submissions: critiques and debate papers that challenge theories from traditional regional perspectives; case studies rich in regional experience with universal significance for global readers; evaluations of the effectiveness of policy implementations related to regional development; and innovative methods (e.g. AI) and perspectives in regional studies.
Regional Studies, Regional Science is a gold open-access journal owned by the Regional Studies Association. The journal is supported by an editorial office, which manages submissions and the peer-review process.
Key Skills and Attributes
- Expertise in the fields of regional studies and regional science.
- Expertise in quantitative or mixed-methods research traditions.
- Experience in academic publishing and familiarity with all stages of the process.
- The capacity to devote time each week to the role, and to attend Editorial Board meetings and training sessions as needed.
- The ability to ensure all submitted manuscripts are considered in a prompt, consistent and professional manner.
- The ability to confidently use an online peer review management system (though training will be provided).
- The ability to select appropriate independent reviewers, provide authors with constructive feedback based on the reviews received and make recommendations to the Editor in Chief.
- A strong commitment to ethical rigour as well as knowledge of the COPE guidelines and commitment to ensure that the journal adheres to strict ethical standards at all times.
- A vision and enthusiasm for the continuous development of the journal.
Application instructions
In making expressions of interest candidates are required to submit:
- a brief Vision Statement outlining their intentions for the safeguarding and further development of the academic excellence, relevance and scope of Regional Studies, Regional Science;
- a Cover Letter, including an indication of host institution support and a list of any potential conflicts of interest. The list should include the candidate’s other commitments and roles involving journals, books, and societies that produce publications (e.g. membership of publication oversight committees);
- a full CV – these may be in summary form but should give enough information to demonstrate embeddedness in the field, e.g., information about networks, conferences attended, relevant publications, professional memberships, etc.
The selection of the new Editors will be made by the Regional Studies Association Board in the light of recommendations from the Regional Studies Association’s Journals Committee. The appointed candidate will begin their term on the 1st January 2026.
The successful candidate will be expected to join the RSA as a Member throughout their term. Current non-Members may apply. Further details on are available from the Regional Studies Association Office or from the Association website at https://www.regionalstudies.org/about/memberships/
Interested applicants with questions about the journal are invited to contact the Head of Publishing, Tom Merriweather (journals@regionalstudies.org).