The Journal of Cuneiform Studies (JCS), a publication of the American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR) and published in partnership with the University of Chicago Press, is seeking a new Editor (or Co-Editors). We anticipate an appointment for an initial six-year period (consisting of two three-year terms) with the possibility of renewal for one additional three-year term. During this period, the Editor(s) will be responsible for one journal issue per annum. Beginning in January 2024, current editor Piotr Michalowski will work closely with the new Editor(s) to facilitate the transition, with the new Editor(s) assuming full responsibility by July 2024.

JCS is a peer-reviewed, illustrated publication including technical articles covering the entire ancient Middle East and eastern Mediterranean world from the beginning to the end of cuneiform culture. The principal subject areas of the journal include the texts, histories, cultures, and archaeology of the cuneiform cultures of the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean. JCS is published on paper and online through a publishing partnership with the University of Chicago Press.

The duties of the position include the following: maintenance of an editorial office for the journal (remote location is expected); solicitation and acquisition of manuscripts; implementation of a peer-review process; collaboration with the ASOR managing editor and staff; actively promoting the journal; and editing and proofreading each annual issue. One of the most important responsibilities of the Editor(s) is the chairing of an editorial board which is actively engaged in the production of the journal. Duties also include timely publication of journal issues, providing annual reports to the Chair of the ASOR Publications Committee, serving on the Committee on Mesopotamian Civilization (the Baghdad Committee), and attending the ASOR Annual Meetings including the meeting of the ASOR Committee on Publication, held on location. The new Editor(s) will be required to gain familiarity with the Editorial Manager software program which is currently used in the publication of the journal (training provided by University of Chicago Press).

The Editor(s) of JCS will have editorial control over the journal within the parameters of the editorial mission established for JCS by ASOR and the Baghdad Committee. The Editor(s) must have expertise in at least one of the languages used to write cuneiform (preferably Akkadian, Sumerian, or Hittite); they would be expected to collaborate with specialists in the languages with which they are less familiar. The Editor(s) should be able to engage with authors writing in English, German, French, but also be prepared to deal with authors with imperfect command of these languages. Ideally, the Editor(s) should have knowledge of the production and distribution processes common to print and electronic journals.

The search committee requests proposals from applicants outlining a vision for the journal within the changing realities of academic publishing. Applications from a single editor, co-editors, or an editorial team will be considered and accepted until the position is filled. All applications received by November 3 are guaranteed to receive full consideration, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The candidate’s application package should consist of the aforementioned vision statement and a current CV. These materials should be submitted via e-mail to Marta Ostovich in the ASOR Office. Any inquiries may be directed to Kevin McGeough, Chair of the ASOR Publications Committee, or Jay Crisostomo, Chair of the Baghdad Committee.