Peer Review Associate (Reviewer Selection)

Job Purpose

The Peer Review Associate (Reviewer Selection) , plays a critical role in managing and maintaining the integrity, efficiency, and quality of the peer review process for assigned scholarly journals. The role involves identifying and engaging qualified reviewers, coordinating with editors and authors, ensuring adherence to publication standards, and supporting the successful progression of manuscripts through the peer review lifecycle.

Working closely with journal editorial teams, Sage colleagues in the US and UK, and other stakeholders, the Associate contributes to delivering a seamless peer review experience while upholding the highest ethical and publishing standards.

Department: Global Services Division – Publishing Services Reports To: Peer Review Supervisor Direct Reports: None

Key Responsibilities

Reviewer Selection & Peer Review Management

Identify, evaluate, and invite suitable peer reviewers for submitted manuscripts, ensuring reviewer expertise and absence of conflicts of interest.

Manage reviewer invitations and follow-ups until sufficient high-quality reviews are obtained (typically two reviews per manuscript).

Monitor the progress of manuscripts throughout the peer review cycle and ensure timely completion of all review-related activities.

Support reviewers in completing reviews through Sage Track and resolve any process-related issues.

Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain strong working relationships with Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, authors, reviewers, and internal Sage teams.

Serve as a key point of contact for journal stakeholders regarding peer review activities and manuscript progress.

Respond to stakeholder queries professionally and within agreed service timelines.

Escalate sensitive or complex communications to management when necessary.

Editorial & Administrative Support

Review newly submitted manuscripts to ensure compliance with journal submission requirements and readiness for peer review.

Maintain and administer assigned journals through Sage Track.

Update and optimize journal-specific email templates and workflow processes.

Generate and analyze reports from Sage Track to support journal performance monitoring.

Production Readiness & Quality Assurance

Verify that accepted manuscripts meet all production requirements before transfer to the Production team.

Ensure author information, manuscript files, permissions, references, contributor forms, and supporting documents are complete and accurate.

Export accepted manuscripts within established publication timelines.

Maintain high standards of editorial accuracy and process compliance.

Collaboration & Process Improvement

Work closely with editorial, production, and marketing teams across Sage's global offices.

Participate in the implementation of new journals and platform enhancements.

Support global initiatives to improve peer review workflows and operational efficiency.

Stay informed about evolving peer review practices, publishing ethics, and industry best practices.

Essential Duties

Conduct manuscript compliance checks.

Perform reviewer research, selection, and invitation management.

Track overdue tasks and ensure timely completion of activities by editors, reviewers, and authors.

Manage contributor forms and author documentation.

Maintain daily workflow trackers and productivity records.

Prepare and share weekly performance reports with management.

Troubleshoot Sage Track issues and coordinate with technical support teams when required.

Provide guidance and support to Editorial Assistants where applicable.

Ensure journals comply with established workflows, standards, and publication timelines.

Productivity & Performance Expectations

Manage a portfolio of journals and manuscript submissions in line with annual workload allocation plans.

Meet or exceed predefined turnaround times and service-level expectations.

Deliver high-quality support across key peer review components, including:

Administrative Checks

Reviewer Research & Invitations

Contributor Forms Management

Production Readiness Checks

Maintain accurate records, reporting, and workflow documentation.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline.

1–2 years of experience with an academic publisher, scholarly journal, or publishing service provider.

Strong understanding of scholarly publishing and peer review processes.

Preferred

Candidates pursuing or holding a Master's degree or PhD.

Experience publishing or contributing to academic research articles.

Familiarity with manuscript management systems such as Sage Track or ScholarOne.

Key Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Ability to use online research tools and databases to identify suitable reviewers.

Familiarity with editorial management systems and publication workflows.

Communication Skills

Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with global stakeholders.

Professional, responsive, and customer-focused approach.

Analytical & Interpersonal Skills

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Strong interpersonal skills and relationship management capabilities.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively within a team environment.

Team & Organizational Contribution

Collaborate proactively with colleagues and cross-functional teams.

Share ideas, insights, and process improvement recommendations.

Support organizational projects, initiatives, and special assignments.

Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to team success.

Maintain regular attendance, adherence to workplace policies, and effective communication with management.

Success in This Role

A successful Peer Review Associate consistently ensures timely reviewer engagement, maintains strong stakeholder relationships, upholds publication quality standards, and contributes to the smooth and efficient operation of Sage's peer review processes.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Sage we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that is representative of all sections of society and to sustaining a culture that celebrates difference, encourages authenticity, and creates a deep sense of belonging. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, disability, sex or gender identity, sexual orientation, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief as creating value through diversity is what makes us strong. As a business and as an organization with an increasingly agile workforce, we're open to flexible working arrangements where appropriate.