This is an excellent opportunity to work with our current blog editor, Dr Hugo Saiz, gain experience in commissioning, writing and editing, and access papers that advance the development of ecological theory or methodologies, generate ecological insights beyond specific study systems and address broad or pressing ecological questions.
Term: 3 years (initial term of 1 year)
Salary: Voluntary
Location: Remote, anywhere in the world
Closing date: 18th of September 2026
About us
Our vision is for nature and people to thrive in a world inspired by ecology. The British Ecological Society is the oldest of its kind in the world, with over 6000 members worldwide. We publish seven successful journals, an ecological book series and a quarterly membership magazine, The Niche.
We actively value the diversity and wide range of perspectives that people from different backgrounds bring to their work, to ecology and to our Society.
About the journal
Functional Ecology publishes research that significantly advances our mechanistic understanding of ecological pattern and process from the organismic to the ecosystem scale, with diverse approaches from physiology to biochemistry. Key areas of emphasis include the integration of genomics, physiological influences, and how evolution and global change shape ecological traits and interactions.
About the role
We are looking for an active ecologist with a passion for stimulating dialogue and communication across everyone involved in ecological research and practice. Part of the journal’s Editorial Board, the blog editor will work with the journal's editorial office to identify, commission and deliver scientifically robust, high-quality content for the blog. We welcome applicants from a variety of career stages and applicants from anywhere in the world are welcome to apply.
Blog editors will gain experience in commissioning, editing and publishing new content for the blog, receive dedicated training on bespoke software such as Canva and WordPress, contribute to the journal’s social media accounts, and have access to articles making advances in the field. The role also offers excellent opportunities to work and network with individuals outside of the editor’s immediate subject area.
This is a voluntary position, with the blog editor working remotely from wherever they are based. The role is anticipated to require in the region of 8 -10 hours per month, with the editor deciding how to best fit this in around their other commitments.
ResponsibilitiesCommissioning, editing and writing content for the blog:
The editor will be expected to commission or write at least 2-3 blog posts per month (working with the current blog editor), including:
- Posts by authors on their recently published articles,
- Blog series, for example, ‘Cover Stories’, ‘Field Diaries’
- Broader pieces on trends or debates in fields covered by the journal or community-focused pieces.
For commissioned posts, the editor will proofread and edit draft posts before they are published to ensure that they meet the quality requirements and fit with the style and tone of the blog. Guidance and support will be provided by the journal’s Assistant Editor.
- Applicants with an interest in video/podcasting will have the option to conduct author interviews for the journal’s YouTube and podcast channel
- The blog editor will assist with copy-editing of research summaries on an ad-hoc basis
Discussing content plans with the Assistant Editor:
- There will be a quarterly online meeting to discuss upcoming plans and develop new ideas for the blog. The editor will need to prepare ideas in advance of these meetings.
Promoting the blog and specific blog posts:
- The editor will provide copy for promoting blog posts on social media accounts and actively help promote social media posts
- When attending relevant conferences, meetings, workshops, etc. the Editor may also be asked to promote the journal and blog. Materials will be provided for this.
Requirements
Essential
- Expertise in ecology and evolutionary biology, particularly animal ecology. This could include an undergraduate or Masters’ degree, PhD, or equivalent practical experience.
- Excellent written English
- Effective and clear communication
- Keen eye for detail
- Good organisational and project management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to network and a willingness to use this when working on topical blog posts
- Ability to identify gaps in current content and devise new initiatives
Desirable
- Experience of writing for a scientific blog
- Experience with social media
- Experience with podcasting and video editing
Benefits
- Free membership to the British Ecological Society for one year (with membership discounted to 50% after that). Membership benefits can be found here.
- Free registration to the British Ecological Society annual meeting
- An excellent opportunity to network with a wide range of ecologists!
How to Apply:
To apply, please send a CV and a cover letter of no more than 500 words via the online submission form, detailing why you are interested and any relevant experience you may have. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with the journal’s Assistant Editor.
