Trainee – Peer Review

Job Purpose

The Trainee – Peer Review is responsible for supporting the end-to-end peer review process for assigned journals using the SAGE Track system. The role involves initial manuscript checks, assisting reviewers and editors, ensuring accuracy of accepted manuscripts, and supporting the transition of manuscripts into production. The trainee will also help maintain system functionality, troubleshoot issues, and ensure journal sites align with global standards.

Key Responsibilities

Manuscript Screening & Processing

• Review submitted manuscripts in SAGE Track to ensure compliance with submission guidelines and readiness for peer review.

• Assist in inviting, assigning, and supporting reviewers throughout the review workflow.

• Follow up with editors, associate editors (as applicable), reviewers, and authors to ensure timely completion of tasks.

Accepted Manuscript Quality Check

• Ensure authors complete electronic contributor forms through SAGE Track.

• Verify required elements of accepted manuscripts, including:

  • Updated author contact details

  • Editable manuscript files

  • Permissions for copyrighted materials

  • Correct reference formatting (APA, Chicago, ASA, AMA, CSE, etc.)

• Support the export of accepted manuscripts to the SAGE Production Editor within deadlines.

Stakeholder Communication

• Respond professionally to queries from editors, associate editors, authors, reviewers, and internal SAGE staff.

• Escalate complex or sensitive issues to the supervisor when necessary.

System Management & Troubleshooting

• Run required reports from SAGE Track.

• Assist in troubleshooting system-related issues to ensure smooth workflow.

• Help maintain SAGE Track sites in alignment with global standards and initiatives.

• Coordinate with US and UK teams as needed for implementing and maintaining sites.

Key Accountabilities

Productivity & Quality Standards

• Handle manuscript submissions based on yearly WAP expectations after training is completed.

• Respond to stakeholder emails within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) with clarity and professionalism.

• Liaise with ScholarOne support when needed for technical troubleshooting.

• Assist editors and internal teams with journal-related initiatives.

• Follow journal-specific processes as listed in the Journal Editor’s Guide.

• Meet early-stage productivity expectations for the Trainee – Peer Review role.

Liaison & Relationship Management

• Maintain courteous and professional communication with editors, reviewers, authors, and internal teams.

• Support manuscript progress through all stages of peer review.

• Escalate any sensitive or tense communication to the supervisor and share positive feedback when applicable.

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to contribute ideas and provide concise, constructive feedback.

• Willingness to support team members on assigned journals.

• Participation in department projects, committees, or task forces as assigned.

• Strong teamwork skills—collaborative, supportive, and proactive.

• Effective verbal and written communication; disciplined and professional demeanor.

• Readiness to contribute to departmental and organizational goals.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (required).

• 0–1 year of experience in the publishing industry (preferred).