Microbiology Today Editor: call for expressions of interest

02 September 2019

Could you be the next Editor of Microbiology Today? After four successful years, Rowena Jenkins will stand down as Editor of Microbiology Today at the end of 2020, having overseen the magazine’s anniversary issues celebrating the impact of microbiologists past, present and future.

The Society is looking to appoint a new member who is interested in being the next Editor of our highly-regarded magazine, which helps us achieve our strategic objective to advance understanding of microbiology and champion the contribution made by microbiology, our members and their work in addressing global challenges. The role will begin in January 2021 and is open to any Full, Full Concessionary or Honorary Member of the Society. There will be a handover period during 2020.

The Editor is responsible for the scientific content and integrity of the magazine. The postholder will be required to attend an annual Editorial Board meeting; read, assess and edit all submitted feature and Comment articles; liaise with the Managing Editor, Head of Communications, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Executive at the Microbiology Society with regard to any matters arising that involve the content or development of Microbiology Today; and represent and promote the magazine outside the Society. In addition, the role sits on the Communications Committee and so the postholder will be required to attend and take an active role in the main meeting for the Committee each year.

The following are desirable qualities for the position:

• Experience of (or interest in and enthusiasm for) the role of science communication.
• An interest in a wide range of subjects across the whole of microbiology.
• An ability to assess contributions for their suitability for publication.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to deal with sensitive issues.
• Enthusiasm about the communication of microbiology to stakeholders, including other scientists, policy-makers and the general public.

You do not need to have been involved with the Editorial Board or the Society previously to apply, but you do need to be a Full, Full Concessionary or Honorary Member of the Society. If you are interested, please read a full description of the role at microbiologysociety.org/jobs and send your CV with the names of two referees to [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 31 October 2019. The appointment will be subject to approval by the Communications Committee.

The Microbiology Society is committed to creating an inclusive culture that supports equality and diversity and fully reflects both its membership and the global microbiology community. The Society seeks to actively encourage all practices that reflect a diverse society.