Current opportunities

Members are fundamental to the work we do as a Society and play an integral part of our 2022-2027 strategy. Working together enables us to influence, create a framework for our Divisions and communities while supporting outreach activities.

Volunteering offers a variety of opportunities. For some it offers the chance to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. For others it is a way to "give something back" and make a difference in the world of microbiology.

We offer volunteering opportunities for members to shape the future of the Society and develop leadership and strategy skills. We also offer public engagement, event organisation, editorial board and science communication opportunites. Find out how you can get involved today.

Leadership

We offer a range of opportunities for members who want to develop leadership and strategy skills to join our Committees, Council, Divisions and Journals.

Engagement, influence and impact

Environmental Impact Working Group

The Environmental Impact Working Group has been set up following the Council’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the Society, and championing the role of microbiology and the Society’s members in meeting the challenges of climate change and sustainability.

The Working Group is tasked with developing the Society’s environmental impact action plan. The action plan will include the impact of both the Society as an organisation and knowledge sharing, encouraging action and supporting change for members. An external environmental consultant or consultancy will be part of the working group to provide expert knowledge and advice in the development of the Society’s action plan.

We are looking for up to four members to be part of the Environmental Impact Working group, whether you have specific expertise or are just an interested member. Visit our vacancies page for full details and to express interest. 

If you have any questions contact Helen Jones, Head of Strategy and Transformation:  [email protected].

Help us advance public understanding of microbiology with your expertise

We often receive media requests from journalists or production companies who are looking for an expert opinion or comment. Empowering our members to communicate to the public is vital to raise the profile of microbiology and advance public understanding. 

If you would be interested in speaking with journalists when relevant enquiries come in, please register your interest here. 

Tell us about your research?

Our members have a unique depth and breadth of knowledge of microbiology and our role is to help unlock and harness the potential of that knowledge by bringing together and empowering communities that help shape the future of microbiology.

We are currently conducting a series of interviews to showcase many areas that our members work in and would like to encourage anyone working in the following areas to get in touch:

  • outside academia
  • females working in industry
  • vaccines, in particular - herd immunity
  • archaea
  • novel products from microbes

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Contribute to Microbiology Today

Contributions to Microbiology Today are always welcome. You may wish to submit an article, suggest a topic for a future issue or become a book reviewer.

Please see here for more information and how to express interest.

Training

Gain an insight into the work of the Society through our Shadowing Scheme

This fantastic opportunity is open to all members who would like to get more involved and help shape the future of the organisation. Successful applicants will be given the chance to familiarise themselves with the Society’s governance structures, and the work and responsibilities of Council and Committees. Meetings are usually quarterly and expenses will be paid. Applications to shadow Committees are accepted on an ad-hoc basis. Find out more about the scheme and application process today.

Peer Review

Reviewers needed for our Society Grants

The Microbiology Society awards over 800 grants each year, and our research grants provide essential research experience to early career researchers. We support undergraduate projects via the Harry Smith Vacation Studentships and facilitate new collaborations and technique acquisition via the Research Visit Grants. We are always looking for new reviewers, particularly in prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiology, and applied research across the board. To register your interest please contact [email protected].

Review our Society Journals

We are seeking members who are interested in becoming a reviewer for our peer-reviewed journals. Reviewers are selected for their expertise and experience and need to:

  • be qualified to PhD level (or equivalent) or above in a relevant subject
  • be a current active researcher
  • have one or more recent publications in peer-reviewed journals of most comparable impact and reputation to our journals

To be considered, please contact [email protected] with an up-to-date CV.

Other opportunities

Protistology UK membership

Society members with a special interest in protists can join Protistology UK at no charge. Protistology UK, (formerly the British Society for Protist Biology) is a membership organisation for those interested in all areas of protistology; from ecological to medical and from sub-cellular to population studies.

To join, go to Update Details, Get Involved and then tick the Protistology UK box. Protistology UK will contact you with forthcoming news and events that may be of interest. Note: you must be a paid-up member of the Microbiology Society to take advantage of this offer.

Members involved in the Microbiome

Society members from Public Health England (PHE) are investigating the understanding and attitudes of adolescents around the microbiome and its role in health and AMR. Results from the study will inform on the design of interventions to motivate young people to follow 'Microbiome friendly' behaviours such as diet and appropriate antibiotic use.

PHE are seeking Microbiology Society members who are working within the microbiome field to comment on study design and be involved in resource development in the future.

Please contact Catherine Hayes for more information.