Call for applications: Editor-in-Chief of Language & Cognition

Deadline: 31^st May 2026 - please note that this call for applications has now closed.

Language & Cognition

Language and Cognition (L&C) is an open access venue for the publication of high-quality empirical research focusing on the interface between language and cognition. It is open to research from the full range of subject disciplines, theoretical backgrounds, and analytical frameworks that populate linguistics and the cognitive sciences.

We aim to cover a wide range of interdisciplinary research focused on theoretical issues surrounding the language system. We specialise in empirical work that is quantitative in nature, especially work that uses experimental or corpus methods. In addition to the traditional areas of cognitive linguistics (e.g., construction grammar, metaphor theory, linguistic relativity, sensorimotor simulation), we especially welcome research which considers theoretical linguistic questions within a broader cognitive context.

We also strongly encourage submissions investigating iconicity, multimodality, signed languages, gesture, or language evolution. We consider human language from a multimodal perspective, including research on either verbal or visual aspects of language, or a combination thereof. We generally do not consider applied work, such as classroom-based research, or studies focused on education, language aptitude or language teaching.

The outgoing Editor-in-Chief of the journal is Professor Stefan Hartmann, who will remain in post until the end of 2026.

Editorial responsibilities

The editorial responsibilities of the Editor-in-Chief will include:

• Shaping the strategic direction of the journal, in cooperation with Cambridge, and the journal’s General Editors.
• Developing and/or updating the journal’s editorial policy, in cooperation with Cambridge and the journal’s General Editors.
• Having overall responsibility for the quality and rigour of the content published in the journal.
• Organizing and managing the editorial office, with support from Cambridge.
• Managing the peer review process using ScholarOne Manuscripts system, alongside a team of General Editors.
• Managing the peer review process and making final article acceptance decisions on assigned manuscripts.
• Recruiting and engaging with members of the Editorial Board.
• Attending relevant conferences and regular editorial meetings.
• Representing and promoting the journal globally and at international events where the Editor might be in attendance (e.g., workshops, symposia, conferences).
• Commissioning content for submission to the journal and overseeing the journal’s special issue pipeline.

L&C is keen on increasing the diversity of identities represented by our team. We particularly welcome candidates who are invested in improving equality, diversity, and inclusion. In addition, we are particularly keen on candidates who are advocates for open science. 

Term

The Editor-in-Chief will serve for an initial 3-year term (2026-2028) starting on 1^st January 2026, with the option of renewing for another term. 

Honorarium and other benefits

The Editor-in-Chief will receive annual honorarium of £5,000.

Cambridge will also reimburse reasonable pre-agreed expenses for journal-related activities (e.g., conference attendance). 

Application process and deadline

To apply for this position, please send your CV and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) to Jess Miorini (jessica.miorini@cambridge.org).

Applications are open to both internal (i.e., current L&C Editorial Board members or General Editors) and external candidates.

Candidates should include the information below in their cover letter:

• Your previous editorial experience on academic journals’ Boards.
• Your interest and suitability for the role.
• Your ideas for developing the journal in the next 5 years.
  
  

The deadline for applications is 31^st May 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in June-July 2026. 

Contacts

For any questions about the role or the application process, please get in touch with the L&C Publisher at Cambridge University Press: Jess Miorini (jessica.miorini@cambridge.org).