Call for Peer Reviewers and Editors
Calling all Northumbria postgraduate students! The Northumbria Student Journal is looking for Peer Reviewers and Editors to review students' work. Please see the below details for each of the opportunities:
1. Peer Reviewer Volunteer
Do you want to become a Peer Reviewer?
As a Peer Reviewer, you'll play an important role in ensuring that the articles submitted meet high academic standards. You'll have the chance to read and review submissions in your area of expertise, provide helpful feedback to the authors, and collaborate with the editorial team to decide whether an article should be accepted, revised, or rejected. It's a fantastic way to contribute to the academic community while sharpening your own skills!
What does a Peer Reviewer do?
- A Peer Reviewer reads submissions to assess the quality, originality and importance of the research/work presented. They look at both the strengths and weaknesses of a submission and offer helpful suggestions on how to make the work stronger.
- For more academic pieces they also check that sources are properly cited and raise concerns if they spot any ethical issues.
- Using their expertise and careful assessment of the submission, they recommend the next steps on whether a submission gets accepted, revised or rejected and explains why.
- Peer Reviewers abide by confidentiality code of conduct, ensuring that the paper’s content isn’t shared with others unless allowed by the journal.
- They also let the journal know before they accept the review if they have any personal, professional or financial connection with the authors.
Who is eligible?
- Any postgraduate student, no matter where they are in their career, is welcome to apply as a Peer Reviewer. If you have a solid understanding of your field and an eagerness to offer helpful feedback, then you’re a great fit!
What are we looking for?
- Strong critical analysis skills.
- Ability to provide clear, constructive and actionable feedback.
- Excellent written communication skills and a keen eye for detail.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Commitment to maintaining the journal’s ethical standards to support its mission.
What are the benefits of joining us as a Peer-Reviewer?
- Enhance your professional and academic development by gaining full training on best peer reviewing practice.
- Gain hands-on experience by learning in an open, supportive environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous growth.
- Develop leadership skills by working with students outside your course to help support their work.
- Engage with editors and other peer-reviewers to expand your academic network.
- Recognition in the journal’s acknowledgement section or reviewer list.
- Work with career advisors to highlight the skills you've gained and effectively showcase them on your CV.
How to apply:
Interested applicants should complete the form below to register their interest:
Qualified applicants will be contacted to discuss the details of the role and match them with appropriate submissions for review.
2. Editor Volunteer
Do you want to become an Editor?
As an Editor for the Northumbria Student Journal, you'll help refine and improve the content of submissions while matching them with the right peer reviewers. You'll work closely with the editor-in-chief to make sure the submissions meet the journal's standards for clarity, structure, and flow. Plus, you'll have the important role of making the final decision on whether a submission is accepted or rejected. It's a great opportunity to make a big impact and be part of an exciting academic community!
What does an Editor do?
- Editors read submissions and match them with the right peer reviewers by assessing the expertise needed.
- They also evaluate the quality of writing and make sure that the content is presented logically and effectively. They also look out for grammar, spelling and syntax mistakes, making sure the final accepted submissions are error-free!
- Editors communicate with authors to provide constructive feedback, suggest revisions and improvements in writing, structure and content.
- Another aspect of their role is to make the final judgment on whether submissions are accepted or rejected, offering proper reason and clarification.
- They also abide by confidentiality code of conduct, sharing submission information only with those involved in the evaluation, review, and publication processes.
- Before accepting an assignment, editors disclose any personal, professional or financial ties to the authors.
Who is eligible?
- Any postgraduate student, no matter where they are in their career, is welcome to apply as an editor. If you have a solid understanding of your field, a keen eye for detail and an eagerness to offer helpful feedback, then you’re a great fit!
What are we looking for?
- Excellent written communication skills and a keen eye for detail.
- Familiarity with academic writing, formatting and citation styles.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Commitment to maintaining the journal’s ethical standards to support its mission.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for communicating constructive feedback to the author.
What are the benefits of joining us as an Editor?
- Enhance your professional and academic development by gaining full training on best editing practice.
- Gain hands-on experience by learning in an open, supportive environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous growth.
- Develop leadership skills by working with students outside your course to help support their work and make critical decisions about publication.
- Engage with peer-reviewers and other editors to expand your academic network.
- Recognition in the journal’s acknowledgement section or editors list.
- Work with career advisors to highlight the skills you've gained and effectively showcase them on your CV.
How to apply:
Interested applicants should send their CV including the relevant areas of expertise to journals@northumbria.ac.uk. Qualified applicants will be contacted to discuss the details of the role and match them with appropriate submissions for editing or review.
