Is the section editor (special issue) position time-consuming for researchers? Or is it a rewarding job that PhD candidate want to do along with their thesis studies and lab work?
The role of a section editor for a special issue can be both time-consuming and rewarding, and its suitability for a PhD candidate or any researcher depends on several factors:
Time Commitment
Review and Coordination: Section editors are responsible for overseeing the peer review process, coordinating with authors, reviewers, and the editorial team, and ensuring timely publication. This involves managing multiple manuscripts, which can be time-consuming.
Editorial Duties: Tasks include handling revisions, making editorial decisions, and sometimes writing an introduction or overview for the special issue. Balancing these responsibilities with research and other commitments can be challenging.
Benefits and Rewards
Professional Development: The role provides valuable experience in managing the publication process, which can enhance your skills in editing, peer review, and academic writing. These skills are useful for a career in academia or publishing.
Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to interact with leading experts in your field, which can lead to valuable professional connections and potential collaborations.
Visibility and Recognition: Being involved in a special issue can increase your visibility in the academic community and showcase your expertise in a specific area of research.
Contribution to the Field: You’ll play a key role in shaping the content of the special issue, which can have a lasting impact on the field and advance knowledge in your area of interest.
Considerations for PhD Candidates
Time Management: Balancing the role with thesis work and lab responsibilities requires effective time management. The demands of the position might vary based on the journal’s expectations and the number of submissions.
Career Goals: If you’re interested in a career in academic publishing or looking to gain editorial experience, the position can be highly beneficial. If your primary focus is on completing your thesis and lab work, it might be worth considering the potential impact on your research productivity and workload.
Overall, while the section editor position can be demanding, it offers substantial professional rewards. For a PhD candidate, it’s important to assess your current workload and career goals to determine if you can manage the additional responsibilities effectively.