The Plant Cell is Now Accepting Applications for Assistant Features Editors!

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Are you an early career researcher passionate about plant biology and science communication?
The Plant Cell is inviting applications for Assistant Features Editors (AFEs) to begin in 2026 and 2027.

AFEs provide a valuable service to the journal, authors, and the broader scientific community. In return, they gain editorial board experience, science writing training, peer review mentoring, and unique networking opportunities.

Applications due: Monday, September 15, 2025

What AFEs Do

  • Write In Brief articles highlighting exciting new publications.

  • Participate in editorial board discussions and training.

  • Receive mentorship in peer review and editorial decision-making.

  • Attend Plant Cell editorial board meetings (travel covered for the in-person meeting).

Program Details

  • Two cohorts will be selected from the 2025 applications:

    • Cohort 1: Starts in 2026

    • Cohort 2: Starts in 2027

  • Appointments are for 1 year, renewable for a second.

  • AFEs receive a small honorarium and financial support for travel to editorial board meetings (typically alongside the ASPB Plant Biology meeting).

  • Recruitment alternates yearly with Plant Physiology. (In 2026, Plant Physiology will recruit AFEs for 2027–2028.)

Who Should Apply?

Candidates should be:

  • Senior Ph.D. students or postdoctoral researchers.

  • Strong writers with a track record of research excellence.

  • Passionate about communicating science to a wide audience.

  • Preference is given to postdocs.

Application Requirements

Send materials to TPCAFEapplication@aspb.org with subject line: “Plant Cell AFE Application”.

Include:

  1. Cover Letter – Describe your experience, expertise, goals, and motivation.

  2. CV

  3. Contact Info for Two Referees – Referees should email letters directly to Nan Eckardt (neckardt@aspb.org) by the deadline.

  4. First-Author Paper – One you were responsible for writing.

  5. In Brief Writing Sample – Choose one article from the provided list and prepare a ~600-word summary with a simple figure and legend.

In Brief Guidelines

  • Audience: Graduate students, advanced undergraduates, and experts.

  • Style: Engaging, concise, and accessible.

  • Word Limit: ~600 words, max 6 references.

  • Include: A simple illustrative figure with legend (~50 words).

  • Examples: See published In Briefs in recent issues here.

Apply Now

Applications are open through Monday, September 15, 2025

Be part of shaping the voice of The Plant Cell and gain invaluable experience at the interface of research and communication!