Ebenezer Obadare will be completing his tenure as Editor of the Journal of Modern African Studies at midyear. Cambridge University Press is now inviting applications for a successor. An individual editor or a team of co-editors for the position would be considered.

The deadline for applications is May 30, 2025.

The Journal of Modern African Studies offers a survey of developments in modern African politics and society. Its main emphasis is on current issues in African politics, economies, societies and international relations. It is intended not only for students and academic specialists, but also for general readers and practitioners with a concern for modern Africa, living and working both inside and outside the continent. Editorial policy avoids commitment to any political viewpoint or ideology but aims at a fair examination of controversial issues in order to promote a deeper understanding of what is happening in Africa today. The journal also includes an invaluable book review section.

Beginning in 2026, the journal will flip to a Research Open model, wherein all research articles will be published under a gold open access license.

Working with a Reviews Editor and a Managing Editor, editorial responsibilities will include:

Shaping the strategic direction of the journal, in cooperation with Cambridge
Organizing and managing the editorial office, with support from Cambridge
Managing the peer review process (using the ScholarOne system)
Making final article acceptance decisions
Editing and proofing articles for the journal
Proposing and working with members of an active Editorial Board
Attending relevant conferences, where possible, and an annual editorial meeting

In your application, please indicate your:

Experience of publishing in the field
Editorial experience, ideally with an academic journal
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and work as part of a team
Strong professional and academic links
Organizational, communication, and technical skills
Institutional support, financial or otherwise, to support your work on the journal
Proposed plan for development, including areas such as:

Engagement of journal reviewers and editorial board members
Areas of focus for future special issues
Journal metrics

Please direct applications and any questions to Mark Zadrozny, Cambridge University Press at [email protected]. Please use MOA Call for Editor as your email subject line