Call for Applications for Two SPR Journal Editors

Dear SPR Members:

The Society for Psychophysiological Research (SPR) is seeking applications for two co-Editors-in-Chief (co-EICs) of its journal, Psychophysiology.  In recent years, the number of submissions to the journal has increased exponentially. This led the SPR Board of Directors, including current Editor-in-Chief Andreas Keil, to determine that a team of two co-EICs is needed to continue the journal’s history of scientific excellence while managing the workload for the journal’s editorial team.  

Founded in 1964, Psychophysiology is the most established journal in the field of

psychophysiological science. The journal plays a key role in advancing human neuroscience in its many forms and methodologies (including central and peripheral nervous system measures), covering research on the relationships between the physiological and psychological aspects of brain and behavior.  Psychophysiology publishes theoretical, empirical, and methodological papers in a broad array of domains: cognitive; affective; clinical and social neuroscience; psychopathology and psychiatry; health science and behavioral medicine; and biomedical engineering and AI/machine learning.

Psychophysiology is currently published in partnership with John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The co-Editors-in-Chief would be responsible for articulating an overall strategy for the journal and upholding its scientific and ethical standards. Other duties include:

• Appointing senior editors, associate editors, and consulting editors.
• Deciding whether manuscripts should be considered for publication and, if so, assigning a senior editor who may provide a decision or select an appropriate associate editor who, in turn, will send the paper for review to about 2-3 reviewers.
• Approving final decisions based on the senior or associate editor and reviewers’ recommendations.
• Planning and overseeing the completion of special issues of the journal and attracting new content as needed.
• Facilitating submission of SPR archival documents (e.g., Presidential Address, Distinguished Career Award laudation, Early Career Award paper, Invited Guidelines paper, in memoriam, etc.) and serving as their action editor.
• Communicating with authors in the event of issues raised in the publication process that cannot be resolved with a Senior or Associate Editor.
• Communicating with the publisher and their affiliates concerning production, marketing, paper, in memoriam, etc.) and serving as their action editor.
• Communicating with the publisher and their affiliates concerning production, marketing, journal metrics, ethical concerns, and other relevant issues.
• Communicating with the Chair of the SPR Publication Committee on financial and strategic issues concerning the journal.
• Working together with the SPR Treasurer to propose a comprehensive budget annually.
• Writing and presenting reports at the Society’s quarterly, mid-year and annual meetings.
• Overseeing public relations for the journal in conjunction with the publisher and SPR, including serving as an ex-officio member of the SPR Public Relations Committee.
• Participating in workshops, meetings, and other activities offered by the publisher to support editors.
• Keeping abreast of trends in scientific publishing.

Each co-Editor-in-Chief will serve a three-year term. Terms for the two EICs will be staggered to provide continuity during the transition between EICs.  The first co-EIC’s term will begin January 1, 2027, and the second will begin January 1, 2028. Both positions will be eligible forthe possibility of re-appointment.  A 1-year transition period (January 1, 2027 – January 1, 2028) for the first co-EIC will overlap with the tenure of the current EIC who has agreed to serve through December 31, 2027. An editorial stipend is available from SPR to support this position.

The application packet for this position should include a 1-2 page letter, offering a vision for the journal’s continued development over their 3-year tenure, along with a current CV. These documents should provide the following information:

• Previous experience as editor, senior editor, associate editor, editorial board member, and/or reviewer.
• Current and past involvement with SPR.
• A brief overview of the areas of research that you consider to be strengths of Psychophysiology as it has been published over the years and areas or directions you would hope to nurture for the further advancement of the journal as an editor-in-chief. Please provide a few examples of activities that you may engage in to promote growth in those areas.
• Your perspective on journal impact factors, on the h-index, etc. In what ways, if any, would you edit the journal mindful of such things?
• A plan to make this editorial responsibility a regular part of your workload and, if applicable, information regarding how your institution would support you, materially and otherwise, to enable you to excel as an editor (e.g., release time, etc.). If the start timing of one of the co-EIC positions (January 1, 2027 vs. January 1, 2028) is preferable, indicate this.
• What appeals to you overall about becoming Editor-in-Chief of Psychophysiology.

SPR is committed to pursuing inclusivity in all aspects of its Society, including its membership, leadership, attendees at the annual meeting, and the authorship represented in Psychophysiology. Every individual should feel welcome within SPR, including people of any race, national origin, native language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, educational background, disability, or age.

Questions about the position may be sent to the Chair of the SPR Publication Committee, Karen Quigley, at k.quigley@northeastern.edu.

To submit an application:

Application materials should be submitted using the link below.

The committee will begin reviewing applications on November 2, 2026, and will continue to consider applications until the position is filled.