Call for Applications
Editor-in-Chief, Breastfeeding Medicine
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) invites applications for the position of Editor-in-Chief of Breastfeeding Medicine, the official journal of ABM. The Editor-in-Chief will provide strategic, scholarly, and editorial leadership, ensuring the journal maintains the highest standards of scientific rigor, ethical integrity, and editorial excellence.
Overview
 Position Summary:
- Oversee the peer review process and serve as the final decision-maker on manuscripts.
- Promote the journal and advocate for its mission within the global breastfeeding and maternal and child health communities.
- Build and maintain a diverse and engaged Editorial Board.
- Collaborate with the ABM Board and publishing team to advance the journal’s impact and reach.
Qualifications
- Doctorate-level degree in medicine (MD, DO, MBBS, or equivalent).
- Demonstrated expertise in breastfeeding medicine, lactation science, or a related field.
- Editorial experience and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Fluent in English.
- Compliance with the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and ABM’s conflict of interest policies.
Application Process
- Submit your application, including CV, cover letter, references, and required documentation, by 11:59 pm Central Standard Time on November 30.
- Selected candidates will be invited for interviews and must provide references and institutional support (if applicable).
- The final candidate will be recommended to the ABM Board of Directors for approval.
Contact ABM Executive Director, Nicole Wallace, at [email protected] with any questions about this opportunity.
Full Role Description
Position Summary
The Editor-in-Chief of Breastfeeding Medicine, the official Journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), is responsible for providing strategic, scholarly, and editorial leadership for the Journal. This individual will ensure that Breastfeeding Medicine maintains the highest standards of scientific rigor, ethical integrity, and editorial excellence while advancing its mission as the leading publication in the field of breastfeeding research, clinical care, and public health. The Editor-in-Chief serves as the primary decision-maker for the journal’s content, oversees the peer review process, and fosters engagement within the global breastfeeding and maternal-child health communities. The Editor-in-Chief must speak and write fluently and proficiently in English.
Term
The Editor-in-Chief will provide leadership of the Journal for a term period of three (3) years and may be reappointed for two consecutive terms of two years each for a total of a maximum of seven (7) years.
Appointment
The Editor-in-Chief is appointed by the ABM Board of Directors in collaboration with Mary Ann Liebert, a Sage Company.
Scope of Work / Summary of Services
The responsibilities of the Editor-in-Chief include, but are not limited to:
Education & Practice Qualifications
- Hold a doctorate-level degree in medicine (MD, DO, MBBS, or equivalent). Candidates who are not currently practicing, including those recently retired, are eligible for consideration.
- Additional degrees are welcome, but not required, such as a Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant field (e.g., public health, pediatrics, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, epidemiology, clinical research, healthcare administration, or related disciplines).
- Demonstrated expertise in breastfeeding medicine, lactation science, or a related clinical or academic field.
Editorial Leadership & Content Development
- Overseeing the peer review process of original research, reviews, clinical studies, and policy-relevant articles that align with the Journal’s readership and mission. This process is supported by a managing editor and team at the publisher.
- Acquiring top content when relevant and calling for papers for trending topics for Special Issues or Special Sections.
- Upholding the quality and integrity of the Journal by ensuring that all published content meets the highest standards in breastfeeding medicine and related disciplines.
- Encouraging submissions from diverse researchers, clinicians, and thought leaders, including emerging and established voices in the field.
- Writing Editorials or commissioning Guest Editorials that highlight timely issues, emerging science, or impactful policy developments in breastfeeding medicine.
Manuscript Review & Peer Review Oversight
- Serving as the final decision-maker on all manuscripts submitted to the Journal, with input from reviewers and handling editors.
- Overseeing a fair, efficient, and rigorous peer review process while upholding ethical publishing practices and conflict-of-interest policies.
- Communicating with authors as needed to provide guidance, feedback, or clarification on editorial decisions.
Journal Promotion & Advocacy
- Actively promote the Journal and advocate for its mission within academic, clinical, and advocacy communities engaged in breastfeeding and maternal-child health.
- Allow the use of their name, credentials, and likeness in marketing materials and campaigns to support the Journal’s visibility and reach.
Editorial Board & Strategic Development
- Build and maintain a diverse and engaged Editorial Board that reflects the Journal’s interdisciplinary and international scope.
- Collaborate with the Editorial Board to shape the Journal’s vision, identify thematic priorities, and guide content development.
- Work with the publishing team to strengthen the Journal’s impact and reach, including enhancing citation metrics and visibility in key indexing platforms.
Society Service
- Serve as an ex-officio member of the ABM Board of Directors.
- Attend all ABM Board meetings and contribute to Board Discussions.
While the Editor-in-Chief participates fully in discussions and provides insight and expertise to inform board decisions, they do not have voting privileges on any matters requiring board action. The Editor-in-Chief will work closely with the publishing team at Mary Ann Liebert, a Sage Company, as well as with the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine to strengthen the Journal’s influence and ensure its continued leadership in promoting evidence-based practices, research, and policy in breastfeeding medicine worldwide.
Conflict of Interest and WHO Code Compliance
The Editor-in-Chief must comply with the principles of the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions. The Editor-in-Chief may not have any current or recent financial, advisory, or promotional relationships, nor engage in activities with entities that manufacture or market products covered under the WHO Code, including but not limited to breast-milk substitutes, feeding bottles, and teats. This includes direct employment, consulting arrangements, honoraria, speaking engagements, research funding, or other material or financial support.
Candidates must fully disclose any past affiliations and potential conflicts of interest, and their appointment will be contingent upon alignment with the organization's policies on conflicts of interest and WHO Code compliance.
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