The ACS Applied Materials portfolio is seeking a new cohort of outstanding early-career researchers to help shape the future of our journals. Apply by November 30, 2026.
The ACS Applied Materials portfolio invites eligible early-career researchers to apply for membership on its Early Career Board (ECB). Established across the entire journal family in 2025, the ECB has become a valuable forum for engaging emerging leaders in materials science, fostering interactions with Editors and members of the Editorial Advisory Board, and providing insights into the scientific publishing process. Building on the success of this initiative, we are now seeking a new generation of ECB members to begin their service in January 2027.
ECB members will gain firsthand experience in editorial decision-making, journal strategy, commissioning activities, scientific publishing, and community engagement. They will also have opportunities to build professional and mentoring relationships with Editors and Editorial Advisory Board members across the ACS Applied Materials portfolio.
The ACS Applied Materials portfolio includes the following journals:
- ACS Applied Bio Materials
- ACS Applied Electronic Materials
- ACS Applied Energy Materials
- ACS Applied Engineering Materials
- ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
- ACS Applied Nano Materials
- ACS Applied Optical Materials
- ACS Applied Polymer Materials
Eligibility Requirements
- Active research scientists engaged as postdoctoral researchers, assistant professors, or equivalent pre-tenure positions, employed by an academic, industrial, or research institution. Industry postdoctoral researchers and government scientists are welcome.
- Must be within 8 years of receiving Ph.D. (excluding career breaks).
Term Limit
2 years, with a possible 1-year extension granted by the Editor-in-Chief or the Deputy Editor of the journal.
Member Responsibilities
- Attend at least 1 of the virtual biannual ECB board meetings and the annual EAB meeting in their respective journal.
- Submit at least one “Spotlight” type manuscript to their journal during the term limit.
- Host at least one Special Issue or Collection as guest editor in their journal during the term limit—including the biannual Early Career Special Issue.
- Help with X and/or Bluesky and/or WeChat and/or Rednote promotion of the journal they are in by suggesting at least four posts every year.
- Participate in their journal’s peer review process through recommendations to Editors, as needed.
Application Information
Both self-nominations and nominations by a colleague or mentor are welcome and we would encourage statements of nomination describing why the nominee would be an excellent candidate for the ECB.
The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2026.
