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 robust 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 assi