Freelance Peer Reviewer - Structural and Civil Engineering

About the Role

Cactus Communications is seeking experienced researchers, retired academics, and former researchers to join our team as a Freelance Peer Reviewer - Structural and Civil Engineering. In this crucial role, you will leverage your expertise to provide essential peer review services for various academic journals and publishers, ensuring the quality and integrity of scientific publications.

Key Areas of Review Expertise

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in the following specializations within Structural and Civil Engineering:

• Bridge Engineering: Bridge Design and Analysis, Highway and Railway Bridges, Structural Assessment and Rehabilitation, Bridge Inspection and Load Rating, Prestressed and Steel Bridge Systems, Bridge Seismic Performance, Infrastructure Asset Management.
• Structural Engineering: Structural Analysis and Design, Reinforced Concrete and Steel Structures, Structural Dynamics, Finite Element Modelling, Performance-Based Design, Structural Reliability, Retrofitting and Rehabilitation.
• Earthquake and Seismic Engineering: Seismic Design, Structural Dynamics, Earthquake-Resistant Infrastructure, Seismic Risk Assessment, Performance-Based Seismic Engineering, Structural Vibration, Disaster Resilience.
• Geotechnical and Ground Engineering: Soil and Rock Mechanics, Foundation Engineering, Deep Foundations and Piles, Slope Stability, Ground Improvement, Tunnelling and Underground Construction, Geotechnical Risk Assessment.
• Ecological and Environmental Engineering: Ecological Systems Engineering, Nature-Based Solutions, Green Infrastructure, Ecosystem Restoration, Sustainable Land and Water Systems, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, Environmental Impact Mitigation.

Note: You must be able to disclose your full name and affiliations with the publishers.

What You Need to Have

• Doctorate (PhD/MD) or equivalent advanced degree in the subject area.
• At least two publications in the last two years in your field.
• Thorough understanding of research methodologies and ethical principles within the relevant discipline.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to provide clear, concise, and constructive feedback.
• Ability to adhere to deadlines and manage time effectively.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and objectivity.
• Prior experience as a peer reviewer for academic journals is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with online manuscript submission and review systems.

What You Will Do

• Assess Novelty: Evaluate whether the manuscript presents original research and new knowledge relevant to the field.
• Evaluate Study Design and Methodology: Critically assess the appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and clarity of the study design and methods to ensure reproducibility.
• Literature Review: Verify that the manuscript incorporates and correctly cites relevant, up-to-date research.
• Analyze Results and Conclusions: Determine if the results are clearly presented, supported by data, and if conclusions are significant.
• Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer clear, concise, and actionable suggestions for improvement, highlighting any flaws, omissions, or ethical concerns.
• Recommend Publication: Based on your thorough evaluation, provide a recommendation to the journal editor regarding the manuscript's suitability for acceptance, revision, or rejection.

Key skills/competency

• Peer Review
• Structural Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Research Methodology
• Academic Publishing
• Critical Analysis
• Ethical Principles
• Written Communication
• Time Management
• Confidentiality