Job Information
Rice University Lecturer & Executive Editor—SEL Studies in English Literature 1500–1900 in Houston, Texas
The English Department at Rice University seeks a Lecturer and Executive Editor for SEL Studies in English Literature 1500–1900 for a two-year appointment with the possibility of renewal. SEL is a distinguished award-winning peer-reviewed scholarly journal housed in the Rice University English Department that annually publishes four quarterly issues of innovative, carefully researched articles that are major influencers in their fields.
The incumbent is responsible for the production of SEL (circa 1000 pages annually) and, in close conjunction with the Managing Editor, ensures the very highest quality, reputation, and financial status for the journal. They will actively work in concert with relevant members of the English Faculty and liaise with the Editorial Board.
This position is an in-person, full-time, benefits eligible non-tenure track appointment. The incumbent will be expected to split their duties between teaching graduate and undergraduate English courses and overseeing the work of SEL Studies in English Literature 1500-1900. A strong scholarly profile and editorial experience with peer review processes are essential. Experience in hiring and training graduate editorial assistants and possibly contributing to the graduate curriculum are desirable.
We seek an innovative editor with a vision for the journal and its future place within the diverse field of English Studies. The incumbent should guarantee SEL's continued reputation as a flagship journal and will be expected to use the SEL's institutional standing to grow its national visibility as well as represent the Rice English Department.
The hiring committee welcomes candidate’s ideas regarding the intersection of their editorial expertise as well as academic and non-academic publishing to graduate education in the Humanities.
Excellent communication skills, effective work management, punctilious attention to editorial matters, and working to deadline/schedule are key for this role.
Position Salary
$90,000/year
Essential Functions
Teaching three courses in total over the spring and fall semesters at the graduate and undergraduate levels
Oversees all stages of copyediting, conferring with authors, copyeditors, and Johns Hopkins University Press
Assess submissions and solicit evaluations of the most promising essays from 41 board members and additional specialist readers; communicates with authors during various stages of the review and publication process
Confers with Consulting Editors over readers’ reports and final publication decisions
Reviews and corrects multiple stages of proofs before final publication
Regularly corresponds with publishers and authors, copyeditors, board members, readers, etc.
Monitors the state of the profession through scholarly journals and other sources in order to anticipate trends and to refine the journal
Oversees the SEL budget and consults with the Managing Editor about annual budget for publication, Diana Hobby Endowment, remunerations and honorariums, and annual award prizes
Supervises the SEL Managing Editor
Supervises the hiring and training of English graduate students for Diana Hobby Editorial Fellowships
Liaises with the SEL Board
Reports to the Chair of the English Department
Additional Functions
Represents the journal at professional conferences to encourage submissions and to promote subscriptions
Organizes SEL outreach events at conferences and conventions
Oversees the annual selection of awards
Produces regular reports on the SEL journal for the English Department Chair, School of Humanities Dean, and Board
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in English with relevant field expertise within British Literature from 1500 - 1900, in hand by July 1, 2024
Five years of related editorial and publication management and formatting experience
Five years of teaching experience
Proficient in the use of Word, Adobe
Skills required: Expert writing, proofreading, and editing skills with exceptional attention to detail and expert knowledge of scholarly style sheets such as AP and Chicago Manual of Style; highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively; ability to exercise discretion in dealing with confidential material; strong management, supervision, and delegation skills; expert ability to work to deadlines and manage projects
Preferred Qualifications
Proficiency in ScholarOne Manuscripts or similar workflow platforms
Familiarity with Excel and presentation software such as Powerpoint or Canva Application
To apply, submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a teaching statement (no more than 2 pages), recent teaching evaluations, and two letters of reference
Application review will begin on May 17th, 2024 – interested candidates are encouraged to apply before that date.
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
Rice University Standard of Civility Serves as a representative of the University, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Rice community and with the public.