Call for HRCR Editor-in-Chief Applications

Launched in 2015, and published by Elsevier, Heart Rhythm Case Reports is an online-only gold open-access journal that publishes case reports, illustrations, and educational vignettes in the field of cardiac arrhythmias and electrophysiology. It is the only case reports journal with a solely EP focus. The journal features authors from all over the world and enjoys a wide international readership. A rich educational resource, Heart Rhythm Case Reports values perspectives from across the EP community and offers special opportunities for allied health professionals and early-career EPs. 

The Editor-in-Chief will be responsible for the solicitation, submission, peer-review, evaluation, and selection of case reports important to the EP field.

The term for this position is five years beginning January 1, 2026, which may be renewed for a second five-year term with consent of both the editor and Heart Rhythm Society’s Board of Directors. A transition period will begin October 2025.

The Heart Rhythm Case Reports Editor-in-Chief is responsible for:

• Recruiting high-quality manuscript submissions
•  Soliciting invited content and editorials, as appropriate
• Prompt turnaround of manuscript decisions and publications
• Evaluating submissions for educational content, quality, accuracy, clarity, and appropriateness for the readership 
• Guiding article acceptance rate to manage publication quality and size
• Developing core article types: review existing article types and experiment with new article types
• Maintaining high publication standards
• Organizing and directing the peer-review process using an online submission system, in line with the journal’s publication schedule 
• Serving as an expert reviewer in areas of personal expertise and as a deciding judge for contested decisions or manuscripts with divergent reviewer recommendations
• Communicating editorial suggestions and decisions to authors
• Adjudicating editorial disputes including conflict of interest issues, errors, and retractions
• Referring appropriate articles to the Society’s companion journals for consideration
• Establishing a group of associate and section editors and an editorial board with a broad spectrum of expertise
• Updating Editorial Board Members on a regular basis
• Directing and implementing journal policy within the mission and financial parameters established by the Heart Rhythm Society
• Contributing to the journal’s development strategy in collaboration with editorial team and publisher 
• Ensuring that the content and delivery of the journal is aligned with the Society’s strategic plan
• Attending monthly online meetings with the Publisher and other Heart Rhythm Society Editors-in-Chief
• Traveling to and participating in Heart Rhythm Society meetings, presenting Heart Rhythm Case Reports status reports to the Heart Rhythm Society Board of Trustees
• Timely response to communications and business matters and proactive compliance with publisher deadlines 
• Responding to requests from the press in conjunction with the Heart Rhythm Society’s Marketing and Communications office
• Reviewing and approving advertisements submitted by the Publisher’s marketing team 

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE FOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MUST POSSESS:

• A strong vision for Heart Rhythm Case Reports’ development, with a focus on enhancing digital offerings and expanding social media presence
• A profound commitment to inclusion, diversity, access, and equity in the development of the editorial board, authorship, and content
• International professional recognition in the field of cardiac electrophysiology and pacing
• An understanding of basic and clinical science in the field of cardiac electrophysiology
• Extensive publication history
• Prior reviewer and editorial experience; the ideal candidate will have served in a leadership role for a peer-reviewed journal 
• A familiarity with, and enthusiastic interest in, the editorial process, including peer review and publication ethics
• Adherence to the Heart Rhythm Society policies on Relationships with Industry and Disclosure Requirements
• A strong work ethic and a reputation for fairness
• Active membership in the Heart Rhythm Society

APPLICATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE:

• Full CV
• The names of 3 references
• A letter of intent describing unique qualifications for this position and summarizing your vision and goals for Heart Rhythm Case Reports with attention to how you would like to innovate and build on the journal’s success. Please include a paragraph dedicated to your thoughts on the value and use of case reports in the current and future environment of scientific and medical communication. In another paragraph, please describe your views on leadership, teamwork, and potential collaboration within the HRS family of journals. Applicants should also outline how you will promote diversity, inclusion, access, and equity within the journal and the broader EP community.
• Applications should be sent via email to Lori Monteleone at crjournal@hrsonline.org.