Optimization Specialist-Peer Review

Job Description

The Optimization Specialist-Peer Review is an individual contributor role focused on enhancing the peer review process for Sage journals through specialized expertise. Key focus areas may include: Editorial quality Journal health Workflow efficiency Training and mentoring Project management Vendor coordination This role also includes direct peer review management for specific journals, representing approximately 30% of the workload. Key Responsibilities 1. Peer Review Operations Manage peer review for complex or transitioning journals Optimize processes including iThenticate checks, UADT, and manual uploads Oversee manuscript progression through the peer review system Assist in journal transitions and manuscript migrations to ScholarOne 2. Specialization & Optimization Act as the go-to expert for tools and tasks such as UADT, iThenticate, or automation testing Identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements to streamline workflows Support the development and enhancement of SOPs and tools 3. Stakeholder Collaboration Work with journal editors, reviewers, authors, and global Sage staff Address and resolve queries professionally and promptly Escalate high-risk issues or conflicts as needed Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and discussions 4. Data & Reporting Analyze data to uncover trends and propose improvements Maintain dashboards for tracking journal and team performance Generate system reports and manage editorial email templates 5. Training & Support Onboard new team members and share workflow knowledge Provide journal-specific support to peers as assigned Participate in department training programs and improvement projects Productivity Standards Meet journal- and project-specific deadlines Manage journal workload equivalent to 30% of PRA workload , per annual WAP Respond to stakeholders within 24 hours (excluding weekends/holidays) Monitor and maintain communication and workflow accuracy in ScholarOne Collaborate on special projects and initiatives assigned by supervisors Liaison Responsibilities Serve as the communication bridge between journal editors and Sage staff Monitor manuscript progress and raise concerns proactively Forward sensitive communications to the supervisor as appropriate Share positive feedback from editors and authors with leadership Key Skills & Competencies Project Management – Coordinate journal workflows and optimize performance Problem-Solving – Analyze challenges and propose actionable solutions Communication – Clear, concise, and professional interaction with global stakeholders Attention to Detail – Maintain accuracy across workflows and documentation Time Management – Prioritize tasks and meet multiple deadlines independently Teamwork – Support and collaborate with team members across regions Adaptability – Embrace new tools, workflows, and industry trends Qualifications & Experience Education: Bachelor’s degree required Experience: 2–4 years of relevant experience in academic publishing, peer review, or editorial management Show more Show less