Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Validation Protocol • Reliability Testing • Data Management Plan

Peer Review Process

Term from Scientific Research industry explained for recruiters

The Peer Review Process is a quality control system used in scientific research where other experts in the field evaluate research work before it's published or funded. It's like having experienced colleagues double-check work to ensure it meets scientific standards. When you see this on a resume, it often means the candidate has experience either reviewing others' work or having their own work reviewed, which is a fundamental part of scientific research. This process is also sometimes called "referee process," "scholarly review," or "scientific review."

Examples in Resumes

Participated in Peer Review Process for leading scientific journals in biochemistry

Managed Peer Review coordination for department's research projects

Served as Scientific Reviewer for major grant proposals

Coordinated Peer Review Processes for international research collaborations

Typical job title: "Research Scientists"

Also try searching for:

Research Coordinator Scientific Review Officer Peer Review Administrator Research Manager Scientific Editor Grant Review Coordinator Research Quality Manager

Where to Find Research Scientists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle disagreements between reviewers in a peer review process?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in conflict resolution, ability to evaluate different scientific perspectives, and knowledge of when to seek additional reviews or make executive decisions.

Q: How do you ensure fairness and eliminate bias in the peer review process?

Expected Answer: Should discuss implementing blind review processes, managing conflicts of interest, ensuring diverse reviewer selection, and maintaining consistent evaluation criteria.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What criteria do you consider when evaluating a research paper or grant proposal?

Expected Answer: Should mention checking methodology, data analysis, significance of findings, clarity of presentation, and alignment with scientific standards.

Q: How do you manage the timeline of a peer review process?

Expected Answer: Should discuss setting realistic deadlines, following up with reviewers, managing revision cycles, and maintaining communication with all parties.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic steps of a peer review process?

Expected Answer: Should describe the flow from submission to initial screening, reviewer selection, collecting feedback, and making decisions about acceptance or revision.

Q: What makes a good peer review report?

Expected Answer: Should discuss constructive feedback, clear explanation of concerns, specific suggestions for improvement, and professional communication.