Executive Director and Publisher

and the job listing Expires on January 2, 2026

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press is a division of the Laboratory, a publisher of high-quality scientific content that advances biomedical research. Its portfolio includes highly regarded research and review journals and books for audiences ranging from professionals to the public. The Press was formally established in 1988, building upon notable book publishing activity at the Laboratory since 1934.

Founded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is located on the north shore of Long Island, approximately 30 miles east of New York City. CSHL is a private, not-for-profit institution with a storied history in the fields of molecular biology and genetics. Research discoveries in cancer, neuroscience, genomics, and plant biology have helped revolutionize the detection and treatment of many human diseases and the progress of agricultural science.

In addition to research, the Laboratory has five divisions dedicated to aspects of science education and communication, of which CSHL Press is one.

Led by President and CEO Dr Bruce Stillman, a biochemist and cancer researcher, CSHL is ranked as one of the world’s leading research and education centers as well as one of Long Island’s top workplaces, employing 1,000 people, including 600 scientific research staff and 250 professionals in scientific education and communication.

The mission of CSHL Press is to create trusted, high-quality publications and services that help biomedical scientists succeed and assist the broad dissemination of biological knowledge. The Press is highly valued for its effectiveness in supporting the research community, its contributions to the financial health of CSHL, and its reputation for innovation in the communication of science.

• The creation of leading journals in the fields of molecular cellular biology (Genes & Development) and genome science (Genome Research) and management of their ongoing transition to open access publishing
• A 20-year partnership with the RNA Society for the strategic development, growth and publication of the Society’s journal RNA
• The transformation of an iconic, print-based laboratory manual publishing program into a highly successful online subscription-based protocols journal
• The transformation of its renowned print monograph series into two highly cited subscription based online review journals
• The continued success and profitability of its print and e-book publishing program amid significant changes and challenges in book publishing, especially in STEM fields
• Partnership with two leading not-for-profit publishers, EMBO Press and Rockefeller University Press to create the successful gold open access journal Life Science Alliance
• The launch and development of the game-changing preprint servers bioRxiv and medRxiv as well as their evolution into an independent, not-for-profit organization, openRxiv

The Laboratory is seeking a successor to the long-serving founding Executive Director and Publisher of CSHL Press.

The key responsibilities of this position are:

• Strategic Leadership: Developing and executing a forward-thinking publishing strategy, including new product development, that enhances the Press’ impact, reputation, and financial contributions to the Laboratory
• Portfolio Management: Overseeing the publication of journals, books, and digital products, ensuring excellence, innovation, adherence to ethical standards, and community responsiveness
• Team Leadership: Inspiring, mentoring, and managing a talented, experienced team of editors, production specialists, and marketing, advertising, and finance professionals
• Partnerships: Building and maintaining strong relationships with authors, editors, as well as institutional and organizational partners
• Financial Oversight: Managing budgets, driving revenue growth, and ensuring continued financial success
• Innovation: Leading the assessment and appropriate implementation of new publishing models and evolving technologies
• Commissioning Journal Content: Recruiting prominent scientists for the successful review…