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The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is accepting applications for the next Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of the SPUR – Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research journal, starting in Q1 2026.
SPUR advances knowledge and understanding of innovative and effective methods for mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry by publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed studies authored by scholars and practitioners. The new EIC, in collaboration with the publisher, will steer the journal into the future for all engaged in undergraduate research, scholarship, and practice worldwide. The EIC will also continue to position SPUR as the leading resource for individuals interested in quality undergraduate education and professional development—such as postsecondary administrators, faculty, staff, researchers, and student mentors—both on- and off-campus, as well as industry professionals. To address the evolving needs of these stakeholders, the new EIC will have the opportunity to adapt the journal to accommodate changes in the dissemination of research, the sharing of lived experiences, and emerging practices in undergraduate research.
SPUR’s EIC will be recognized as a leader and scholar within the CUR community and the field served by the journal who embodies CUR’s values and principles. They are highly respected and actively involved in the field, regularly publishing significant content. The EIC has the professional insight to understand the future direction of the field and can develop and communicate a strategic vision aligned with CUR’s mission, vision, and goals. They use strong leadership skills to assemble and motivate the appropriate Editorial Board members. They also excel in interpersonal communication and are regarded as effective communicators. They embrace innovative technologies and have a proven track record of solid time management and delegation skills. They collaborate effectively with others and are decisive decision-makers who follow through promptly and efficiently on decisions. The EIC reports to and is accountable to the publisher, who also serves as the CUR Executive Officer, overseeing all peer review management and publishing operations. Together, the EIC and publisher work to complete editorial evaluations, establish the journal’s 3- to 5-year strategic framework, and assess the journal’s performance.
Responsibilities:
- Ambassadorship: Act as the journal’s ambassador, promoting its significance within the community. Engage with audiences at relevant CUR conferences and events.
- Editorial Leadership: Lead and empower the editorial board, conducting regular meetings to strategize manuscript recruitment and address performance metrics. Mentor and support the professional development of editors, authors, and reviewers.
- Editorial Oversight: Assume full responsibility for all peer-reviewed content, including the solicitation, selection, scheduling, and editing of materials that align with CUR’s mission, vision, and values while advancing undergraduate research. Work collaboratively with editors, authors, and reviewers, adopting practices that ensure the timely publication of the journal on the agreed publication schedule.
- Peer Review Management: Oversee the peer review process to ensure adherence to best practices and prompt, fair decisions on manuscripts. Manage editorial policies, resolve disputes, and address other content-related issues.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the publisher, journal staff, CUR staff, and external vendors to ensure timely publication and effective content promotion.
- Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the publisher to develop a 3- to 5-year strategic plan in alignment with CUR’s organizational goals. Report on journal performance and progress toward strategic goals to CUR’s Executive Committee.
Term:
This is a 5-year term, with the option of one 2-year extension, which will be discussed in the annual journal performance review. The EIC receives a yearly honorarium for the work on behalf of SPUR. Travel related to editorial strategy will be reimbursed in accordance with the annual budget for the journal as approved by the Publisher.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Proven record of authorship in peer-reviewed journals.
- Editorial experience as a reviewer or board member.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Experience promoting, mentoring, or facilitating undergraduate research.
- Success in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Must be a member of CUR at the start of the role.
Application Process:
Interested applicants are invited to submit:
- Brief (less than two pages) vision statement describing how to grow SPUR into the future, addressing the diverse needs of researchers and practitioners.
- Curriculum vitae
Candidates advancing to the final round will be asked to submit three references, including their contact details and how they know the candidate. References will not be contacted without the finalist’s approval.
Application Deadline: November 17, 2025
Search Committee Contact Email: eicsearch@cur.org
All applications will be presented for consideration to the Editor Search Committee, chaired by Julio Rivera, Ph.D. (Emeritus Professor of Management, Carthage College; Choropleth Consulting, LLC)and comprised of leaders within the CUR community.
Nomination Process:
Nominations are welcome. If you wish to nominate a colleague, please share their contact information with the search committee by sending an email to eicsearch@cur.org.
Founded in 1978, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.
CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.
