Volunteer role: Associate Editor (Code Integrity and Accessibility)
Organisation: British Ecological Society – Methods in Ecology and Evolution
Term: 3 years Closing date: 25th Sept 17.00 BST
Location: Remote, anywhere in the world
The British Ecological Society is seeking researchers to join Methods in Ecology and Evolution as Associate Editors (Code Integrity and Accessibility). This is a flexible role for someone interested in improving the clarity, transparency, and accessibility of code in ecology and evolutionary research. Role holders will support our mission to advance ecological and evolutionary science and ensure robust, ethical, and inclusive publishing.
This is a new, volunteer, part-time role, based at the role holder’s institution. We predict this role will take on average two hours a month, with some variability depending on timing of assignments.
Responsibilities
- Support usability of code: Review code for clarity, completeness, and alignment with journal standards.
- Check documentation: Ensure authors provide accessible, clearly commented code and related documentation that supports its re-use and long-term value
- Promote good practice: Help authors strengthen responsible data handling, open science, and ethical research behaviour.
- Work collaboratively: Follow shared workflows and contribute to a positive, inclusive editorial environment.
Requirements
Essential
- Strong attention to detail and confidence working with at least one language used routinely by ecologists and researchers in evolution (R, Python, Julia)
- Familiarity with testing and validating code (e.g., through ROpenSci, CRAN, PyPI)
- An appreciation for the value and limitations of AI for writing and commenting code
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly in writing
- Commitment to the BES values: equity, sustainability, collaboration, and integrity
Desirable
- Interest in ecology and/or evolutionary biology
- Interest in STEM publishing and editorial processes.
Benefits
- Receive free BES membership for one year, then 50% thereafter
- Qualify for free registration to the BES Annual Meeting.
- Attain evidence of your standing and authority in your field of research which can contribute to academic career progression.
- For researchers working in UK universities, an AE role is likely to contribute to institutional submissions to the Research Excellence Framework 2029 as an indicator of a positive research culture.
Skills Required
- Strong attention to detail and confidence working with at least one programming language routinely used by ecologists and evolutionary researchers: R, Python, or Julia.
- Familiarity with testing and validating code, such as through ROpenSci, CRAN, or PyPI.
- Appreciation for the value and limitations of AI for writing and commenting code.
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly in writing.
- Commitment to British Ecological Society values: equity, sustainability, collaboration, and integrity.
- Interest in ecology and/or evolutionary biology.
- Interest in STEM publishing and editorial processes.
What We Do
The British Ecological Society (BES) is a global scientific community and the UK's learned society for ecology. Its mission is to advance ecology and make it count, providing the best available evidence to support governments, businesses, and partners in making better decisions. The BES publishes world-renowned journals and provides research, policy reports, and educational resources to deepen environmental understanding and support nature recovery.
