Peer Review Lead

About the Role

We are looking for a Peer Review Lead / Senior Editorial Coordinator who can build, run, and scale peer review operations from scratch while also actively managing day-to-day editorial workflows. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong process ownership, stakeholder coordination, and deep understanding of journal/book peer review ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

Peer Review Operations & Execution

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  Coordinate the end-to-end peer review process, including reviewer assignment, reminders, timeline tracking, and quality outcomes using platforms such as ScholarOne, Editorial Manager, or similar systems.

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  Monitor manuscript schedules, communicate deadlines to authors, reviewers, and editors, and proactively follow up on delayed submissions or reviews.

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  Serve as the primary point of contact for authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers—responding to queries and guiding stakeholders through the editorial and peer review lifecycle.

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  Arrange, track, and consolidate reviewer feedback for journal articles and book proposals under consideration.

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  Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in manuscript tracking systems, internal databases, spreadsheets, and project management tools.

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  Support editorial decision-making by ensuring appropriate reviewer coverage, complete documentation, and adherence to timelines.

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  Send out author contracts and respond to contract-related queries in coordination with internal teams.

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  Perform final manuscript checks and prepare files for smooth handover to the production team.

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  Provide operational support for editorial board meetings, including coordination, agenda preparation, minutes, and follow-ups.

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  Assist with ad-hoc tasks such as processing payments, maintaining contributor records, and coordinating with vendors.

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  Liaise with internal departments (production, marketing, royalties, finance) to resolve queries and escalate issues when required.

Peer Review Leadership & Process Ownership

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  Design, implement, and own the peer review workflow from scratch, ensuring scalability, efficiency, quality, and compliance with publishing ethics.

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  Define and document SOPs, best practices, and escalation mechanisms for peer review operations across journals or book programs.

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  Lead, mentor, and guide junior peer review/editorial team members, ensuring consistent delivery and quality standards.

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  Own and track peer review KPIs such as turnaround time (TAT), reviewer performance, decision cycle efficiency, and author experience.

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  Act as the primary escalation point for complex editorial, reviewer, or author issues.

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  Configure, optimize, and manage peer review systems (ScholarOne/EM), including workflow setup, user roles, and reporting.

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  Conduct regular process audits and quality checks to ensure integrity, transparency, and adherence to ethical publishing standards.

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  Build and maintain a strong reviewer database, develop reviewer engagement strategies, and improve reviewer responsiveness and retention.

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  Support onboarding of new journals or titles, including peer review setup, team readiness, and go-live support.

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  Work closely with Editors, Publishers, and internal leadership to align peer review operations with broader publishing goals.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

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  Strong administrative, coordination, and process design skills.

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  Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

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  Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a professional and empathetic tone.

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  Proven ability to work independently, take ownership, and drive improvements proactively.

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  Advanced working knowledge of MS Office (especially Excel and Outlook).

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  Hands-on experience with peer review/manuscript tracking systems such as ScholarOne/Manuscript Central, Editorial Manager.

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  A genuine interest in academic publishing, peer review integrity, and journal/book workflows.