Governance vacancies

The Board of Trustees provides the strategic direction of the Society and is responsible for its governance and financial sustainability. Board members bear the legal responsibilities of Trustees of the Charity and Directors of the Company and take a variety of important strategic and legal decisions on how the Society deploys its assets and supports its membership.

As well as accepting applications directly, we encourage members to reach out to us if they have any suggestions for people who they think could be strong candidates to become the General Secretary or Treasurer. If you have any potential candidates in mind, please contact [email protected], noting their name, institution and why you think they would be good for the position. 

The General Secretary and Treasurer roles are appointed by the Board of Trustees and we may wish to schedule a meeting with potential candidates as part of the application process. 

General Secretary  

The General Secretary is one of three Executive Officers (with the President and Treasurer) and a key member of the Trustee Board and Advisory Council. The General Secretary is specifically responsible for convening and chairing several panels which consider and make recommendations for Prize Lectures, Honorary Membership Awards or governance appointments to the Advisory Council or Board of Trustees for decision or ratification. 

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is three years from January 2026–December 2028 

• Time commitment approximately 30 days per year  

• This position is appointed by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Advisory Council and on the recommendation of the Appointments Panel 

Role description: 

General Secretary of the Microbiology Society Role Description - 2025.pdf

 

Apply here  

Treasurer 

The Treasurer is one of three Executive Officers (with the President and General Secretary) and a key member of the Trustee Board and Advisory Council. The Treasurer also chairs the Finance Committee. 

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is one year as Treasurer-elect January to December 2026 and three years as Treasurer from January 2027 to December 2029 

• Time commitment approximately 30 days per year  

• This position is appointed by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Advisory Council and on the recommendation of the Appointments Panel 

Role description: 

Treasurer Role Description - 2025.pdf

 

Apply here  

Elected Member of the Board of Trustees  

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is three years from January 2026 to December 2028 

• Time commitment approximately 10–12 days per year 

• This vacancy is elected by the Advisory Council.  

Role description: 

Elected Member of Trustee Board Role Description - 2025.pdf

 

Apply here 

Advisory Council is responsible for delivering active engagement and insights on behalf of the microbiology community. Its composition includes 10 co-Chairs of our Committees, seven elected members and three Executive Officers. Advisory Council reports to the Board of Trustees.  

Elected Members of Advisory Council  

Elected Members may also choose to sit as a representative of on one of the Society’s Committees. 

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is three years, from January 2026 to December 2028 

• Time commitment approximately 8 days per year 

• This vacancy is elected by the membership. 

Role description: 

Elected Member of Advisory Council Role Description.pdf

 

Apply here 

Others 

There are four other vacancies available on the Advisory Council this year: 

• Building Communities Committee co-Chair and Chair of Scientific Conferences Panel  

• Early Career Forum Executive Committee co-Chair 

• Members Panel co-Chair  

• Sustainability Committee co-Chair 

Details can be found in their respective Committee sections below. 

The Building Communities Committee is responsible for driving content themes for events, journals and other activities to support the Society’s three main strategic objectives. The Committee works with the Scientific Conferences Panel and Publishing Panel to ensure their activities are aligned. 

Learn more about the Building Communities Committee. 

Building Communities Committee Terms of Reference 2025.pdf

 

Co-Chair-elect and Chair-elect of Scientific Conferences Panel  

By convention, the Chair rotates around the interests of the four Divisions. The current Chair works within prokaryotic microbiology and the current Chair-elect in virology so the Society is keen to receive applications for this role from those within eukaryotic microbiology and/or located on the island of Ireland. However, the primary concern is to ensure the best candidate for the role based on the skills required, so this should not be a barrier to application.  

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is two years from January 2026 to December 2027 as co-Chair-elect and a further two years from January 2028 to December 2029 as co-Chair 

• Time commitment approximately 12 days per year 

• This position is appointed by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Advisory Council on the recommendation of the Appointments Panel 

Role description: 

Appointed Member of Advisory Council and Building Communities Committee co-Chair Role Description - 2025.pdf

 

Apply here

The Early Career Forum Executive Committee is responsible for ensuring that the views of the Early Career Forum are considered across all streams of the Society’s work to support the Society’s three main strategic objectives, including in the design and development of Society activities to advance careers in microbiology. 

Learn more about the Early Career Forum Executive Committee.  

Early Career Forum Executive Committee Terms of Reference 2025

 

Co-Chair 

The Early Career Forum Executive Committee has two co-Chairs who lead the Committee in representing the interests of early career microbiologists to the Society. They also sit on Advisory Council. 

• One vacancy 

• Sits on Advisory Council and the Early Career Forum Executive Committee 

• Term of office is six months as co-Chair-elect from July 2026 to December 2026, then two years as co-Chair from January 2027 to December 2028 

• Time commitment approximately 8 days per year  

• This vacancy is elected by the membership of the Early Career Forum. 

Role description: 

Elected Member of Advisory Council and EC Forum co-Chair Role Description.pdf

 

Apply here  

Committee and Division Representatives 

The Early Career Forum Executive Committee and Division Representatives are each elected to sit on the Early Career Forum Executive Committee, as well as one other Committee or Division of the Society’s governance structure. They participate fully in both Committees/Divisions to represent the interests of early career microbiologists within the Society. 

Role description for an EC Forum Executive Committee Member: 

Early Career Forum Executive Committee Member Role Description - 2025.pdf

 

Apply here

The following Committee and Division representative positions are available on the Early Career Forum Executive Committee: 

Audit, Risk and Evaluation Committee Representative 

• One vacancy 

• Sits on the Early Career Forum Executive Committee and on Audit, Risk and Evaluation Committee

• Term of office is two years, from January 2026 to December 2027 

Impact and Influence Committee Representative 

• One vacancy 

• Sits on the Early Career Forum Executive Committee and on Impact and Influence Committee 

• Term of office is two years, from January 2026 to December 2027 

Publishing Panel Representative  

• One vacancy 

• Sits on the Early Career Forum Executive Committee and on Publishing Panel 

• Term of office is two years, from January 2026 to December 2027 

Scientific Conference Panel Representative 

• One vacancy 

• Sits on the Early Career Forum Executive Committee and on Scientific Conferences Panel 

• Term of office is two years, from January 2026 to December 2027 

Sustainability Committee Representative 

• One vacancy 

• Sits on the Early Career Forum Executive Committee and on Sustainability Committee 

• Term of office is two years, from January 2026 to December 2027 

Eukaryotic Division Representative 

• One vacancy 

• Sits on the Early Career Forum Executive Committee and on the Eukaryotic Division 

• Term of office is two years, from January 2026 to December 2027 

Prokaryotic Division Representative 

• One vacancy 

• Sits on the Early Career Forum Executive Committee and on the Prokaryotic Division 

• Term of office is two years, from January 2026 to December 2027 

Virus Division Representative 

• One vacancy 

• Sits on the Early Career Forum Executive Committee and on the Virus Division 

• Term of office is two years, from January 2026 to December 2027 

Apply here 

These vacancies are elected by the membership of the Early Career Forum. 

The Members Panel contributes to the delivery of the Society’s strategic objectives by bringing the perspectives of historically marginalised communities to the Society’s efforts. The Panel ensures that the Society is welcoming across all of its activities and that matters related to equality, diversity and inclusion receive due consideration at the highest level of Society governance. 

Learn more about the Members Panel.  

Members Panel Terms of Reference .pdf

 

Co-Chair 

The Members Panel has two co-Chairs who lead the Panel and sit on the Advisory Council.  

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is three years from January 2026 to December 2028 

• Time commitment approximately 10 days per year  

• This vacancy is appointed by the Members Panel and the General Secretary. 

Role description: 

Appointed Member of Advisory Council and Members Panel co-Chair Role Description - 2025.pdf

 

Apply here  

Panel Representatives 

Panel Representatives sit on the Members Panel to provide their perspective and expertise in support of the Panel’s activities. Some Panel Representatives may also sit on other Committees or Divisions on the governance structure to keep them abreast of the Panel’s activities. 

• Six vacancies 

• Term of office is three years from January 2026 to December 2028 

• These vacancies are appointed by the Members Panel and the General Secretary. 

Role description:

Members Panel Member Role Description - 2025.pdf

 

Apply here  

The Sustainability Committee is responsible for developing the future leadership of the Society and for ensuring the long-term viability of our operations to support the Society’s three main strategic objectives. 

Learn more about the Sustainability Committee.  

Sustainability Committee Terms of Reference 2025.pdf

Co-Chair  

The Sustainability Committee has two co-Chairs who lead the Committee and sit on the Advisory Council.  

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is one year as co-Chair elect from January to December 2026 and then three years as co-Chair from January 2027 to December 2029 

• Time commitment approximately 10 days per year  

• This position is appointed by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Advisory Council on the recommendation of the Appointments Panel 

Role description: 

Appointed Member of Advisory Council and Sustainability Committee co-Chair Role Description - 2025.pdf

 

Apply here  

Elected Members 

Elected Members sit on the Sustainability Committee to represent the interests and views of the membership to the Committee. 

• Two vacancies 

• Term of office is three years from January 2026 to December 2028

• These vacancies are elected by the membership. 

Role description: 

Sustainability Committee Member Role Description

 

Apply here 

Others 

There is one additional vacancy available on the Sustainability Committee for a representative from the Early Career Forum. See the Early Career Forum Executive Committee section for details. 

The Eukaryotic Division is one of the four Divisions which plan the scientific content for the Society’s conference and events programme. The Eukaryotic Division aims to promote eukaryotic microbiology in its widest context in fundamental, medical, applied and environmental aspects. 

The Chair or Chair-elect of the Division can help and support you with your application. Members interested in joining the Eukaryotic Division are encouraged to email [email protected] to discuss the available roles.  

Learn more about the Eukaryotic Division. 

Microbiology Society Terms of Reference - Eukaryotic Division.pdf

 

Chair-elect 

Each Division is led by a Chair and Chair-elect who also sit on the Scientific Conferences Panel. The Chair also sits on the Building Communities Committee.  

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is two years as Chair elect from January 2026 to December 2027 and then two years as Chair from January 2028 to December 2029 

• Time commitment approximately 20 days per year  

• This position is appointed by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Advisory Council and on the recommendation of the Appointments Panel. 

Role description:

Eukaryotic Division Chair and Chair Elect specification March 2025.pdf

 

Apply here  

Elected Members 

The Eukaryotic Division recruits Elected Members to advise on the various areas of experience and expertise within eukaryotic microbiology.  

This year, the Eukaryotic Division is inviting applications from any member working in eukaryotic microbiology, but is especially keen to hear from those with knowledge of the following areas: translational microbiology, medical microbiology and/or applied microbiology.  

• Three vacancies 

• Any eukaryotic microbiologist can apply 

• Term of office is three years from January 2026 to December 2028 

• These vacancies are elected by the membership. 

Role description: 

Division Member Role Description.pdf

 

Apply here  

Other 

There is one additional vacancy available on the Eukaryotic Division for a representative from the Early Career Forum. See the Early Career Forum Executive Committee section for details. 

The Irish Division is one of the four Divisions which plan the scientific content for the Society’s conference and events programme. The Irish Division seeks to promote all aspects of microbiology in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. 

The Chair or Chair-elect of the Division can help and support you with your application. Members interested in joining the Irish Division are encouraged to email [email protected] to discuss the available roles. 

Learn more about the Irish Division.  

Microbiology Society Terms of Reference - Irish Division.pdf

 

Chair-elect 

Each Division is led by a Chair and Chair-elect who also sit on the Scientific Conferences Panel. The Chair also sits on the Building Communities Committee.  

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is two years as Chair-elect from January 2026 to December 2027 and then two years as Chair from January 2028 to December 2029 

• Time commitment approximately 20 days per year  

• This position is appointed by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Advisory Council and on the recommendation of the Appointments Panel. 

Role description: 

Irish Division Chair and Chair Elect Role Description 2025.pdf

 

Apply here  

Elected Members 

The Irish Division recruits Elected Members to represent microbiologists from different geographical areas within Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.  

• Three vacancies 

• Candidates must be based in Cork, Dublin or Northern Ireland 

• Term of office is three years from January 2026–December 2028 

• These vacancies are elected by the membership. 

Role description: 

Division Member Role Description.pdf

 

Apply here 

The Prokaryotic Division is one of the four Divisions which plan the scientific content for the Society’s conference and events programme. The Prokaryotic Division comprises scientists working in the major areas of bacterial and archaeal microbiology. 

The Chair or Chair-elect of the Division can help and support you with your application. Members interested in joining the Prokaryotic Division are encouraged to email [email protected] to discuss the available roles. 

Learn more about the Prokaryotic Division.  

Microbiology Society Terms of Reference - Prokaryotic Division.pdf

 

Chair-elect 

Each Division is led by a Chair and Chair-elect who also sit on the Scientific Conferences Panel. The Chair also sits on the Building Communities Committee.  

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is two years as Chair-elect from January 2026 to December 2027 and then two years as Chair from January 2028 to December 2029 

• Time commitment approximately 20 days per year  

• This position is appointed by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Advisory Council and on the recommendation of the Appointments Panel. 

Role description: 

Prokaryotic Division Chair and Chair Elect Role Description - 2025.pdf

 

Apply here  

Elected Members 

• Three vacancies 

• Seeking candidates working in industry and/or working in general prokaryotic microbiology 

• Term of office is three years from January 2026 to December 2028 

• These vacancies are elected by the membership. 

Role description: 

Division Member Role Description.pdf

 

Apply here 

Other 

There is one additional vacancy available on the Eukaryotic Division for a representative from the Early Career Forum. See the Early Career Forum Executive Committee section for details. 

The Virus Division is one of the four Divisions which plan the scientific content for the Society’s conference and events programme. The Virus Division promotes fundamental studies of the natural history, cellular and molecular biology, immunology and molecular pathogenesis of viruses of all kinds. 

The Chair or Chair-elect of the Division can help and support you with your application. Members interested in joining the Virus Division are encouraged to email [email protected] to discuss the available roles. 

Learn more about the Virus Division.  

Microbiology Society Terms of Reference - Virus Division.pdf

 

Chair-elect 

Each Division is led by a Chair and Chair-elect who also sit on the Scientific Conferences Panel. The Chair also sits on the Building Communities Committee.  

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is two years as Chair elect from January 2026 to December 2027 and then two years as Chair from January 2028 to December 2029 

• Time commitment approximately 20 days per year  

• This position is appointed by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Advisory Council and on the recommendation of the Appointments Panel. 

Role description: 

Virus Division Chair and Chair Elect Role Description 2025.pdf

 

Apply here  

Elected Members 

• Four vacancies 

• Seeking candidates working in: 

• Translational virology 

• General Virology (molecular/cellular) 

• General Virology (systems approaches) 

• General Virology (DNA viruses) 

• Term of office is three years from January 2026 to December 2028 

• These vacancies are elected by the membership. 

Role description: 

Division Member Role Description.pdf

 

Apply here 

Other 

There is one additional vacancy available on the Virus Division for a representative from the Early Career Forum. See the Early Career Forum Executive Committee section for details. 

The Microbiology Society is a Member Society of the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS). The appointed FEMS Delegate attends the FEMS Council and is an essential liaison between the FEMS Council and the Society’s Advisory Council and Trustee Board. 

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is three years from January 2026 to December 2028  

• Time commitment approximately 4-5 days per year  

• This position is appointed by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Advisory Council and on the recommendation of the Appointments Panel. 

Role description: 

FEMS Delegate Role Description - 2025.pdf

 

Apply here 

Working with the Building Communities Committee, the two Infection Science Representatives ensure that the Society is providing opportunities relevant to the infection science, clinical, health-related and medical microbiology communities. They make sure that the Society capitalises on opportunities in infection science through its conferences, events and journal content so that these activities better reflect the wider microbiology community. 

• One vacancy 

• Term of office is two years as Representative-elect from January 2026 to December 2027 and two years as Representative from January 2028 to December 2028 

• Time commitment approximately 7-8 days per year  

• This position is appointed by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Advisory Council and on the recommendation of the Appointments Panel. 

Role description: 

Infection Science Representative-elect Role Description 2025.pdf

 

Apply here 

As well as the vacancies listed above, there are many other ways you can get involved with the Society and have your say. We have outlined some examples below and you can find out more via our Get Involved page. 

Governance Shadowing Scheme 

If you would like to know more about what it is like to sit on our governance structure but do not yet want to commit to applying for a full term, you can apply to our Governance Shadowing Scheme to be put in touch with a current member of the governance structure and sit in on one of their meetings. 

Read more about the Governance Shadowing Scheme.  

Journal Editorial Boards 

Recruitment for our journal Editorial Boards runs on a different cycle to the other vacancies across our governance structure. These are advertised via our jobs page. 

Society Champions 

Champions help to promote microbiology and the Society in their local area by initiating activities and events of their own or participating in Society-led activities. 

Find out more about becoming a Champion via our Society Champions page. 

Prize Award Panel 

Every year, we present six Prize Lectures at our Annual Conference. The Prizes Award Panel – which considers prize nominations and recommends the recipients of these awards to Advisory Council – is composed entirely of volunteers from the membership. Applications for joining the Prizes Award Panel in 2025 (which considers winners for 2026) will open soon. 

Read more about the Prize Award Panel