The Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to magnifying the impact of microbiology in Europe and beyond. Through high-quality not-for-profit publishing, events, grants, and community-building, we convene and connect microbiologists to help solve global challenges. FEMS is a global network connecting over 50 Member Societies from 38 countries and representing more than 30,000 individual microbiologists.  

FEMS exists to advance microbiology and support scientists at every stage of their careers, driving scientific development by bringing microbiologists together in purposeful ways to create impact. It is led by passionate microbiologists who volunteer their time and supported by a professional team based in the Netherlands. 

Role type: Volunteer | Flexible, online, remote | Approx. 4–6 hours/month | 12-month initial commitment 

Role purpose: To serve as a public-facing voice for FEMS by hosting and facilitating engaging, inclusive, and scientifically informed episodes of the FEMS Webinar Series and the Microbes and Us podcast. This role helps bring microbiology to diverse audiences, champion researchers’ voices, and strengthens the role of FEMS as a convener and thought leader in the global microbiology community.

Key Responsibilities: 

Webinar host 

• Welcome the audience to the webinars with a scripted FEMS introduction and relevant messages 
• Introduce speakers, keep speakers on time, moderate Q&A sessions, and manage live discussions 
• Ensure a professional and inclusive tone throughout each webinar 
• Coordinate with the FEMS team for preparation, broadcast, and follow-up 

Podcast host 

• Interview microbiologists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines 
• Work with the FEMS Team to prepare and ask thoughtful, engaging, and accessible questions based on themes of interest 
• Help shape the storytelling tone of each episode 
• Collaborate with the FEMS team on podcast ideas, scheduling, recording, and editing

Desired qualities & skills: 

• Able to build rapport easily with a wide range of people 
• Passionate about microbiology and science communication 
• An engaging speaker in English with strong verbal communication skills  
• Experience of moderating live conversations (e.g. fireside chats at conferences) 
• Inclusive and respectful of all scientific voices and perspectives 
• Able to guide conversations and to sustain a connecting thread over a variety of topics  
• Able to make scientific content accessible to various audiences 
• Comfortable using online meeting and recording platforms (training can be provided) 
• Dependable and professional in appearance and conduct 

What you will gain: 

• Visibility and profile in the microbiology community 
• Professional experience in science communication, podcasting, and live event hosting 
• Opportunity to build a network with leading scientists and science communicators 
• A chance to help shape how microbiology is shared, understood, and celebrated 

If you are passionate about microbiology, love storytelling, and want to help bring scientific voices to life, we would love to hear from you. 

Applicants should submit the following to joseph.shuttleworth@fems-microbiology.org by 10:00 CET on Monday, 30 March 2026: 

• Your CV 
• A brief covering letter explaining your skills, experience, and interest in the role 
• A short video of yourself talking about a microbial topic of your own choice (1 minute max, .mp4 file), you may also pick a topic or paper from the FEMS Journals or FEMSmicroBlog 

Applications and expressions of interest will be reviewed on a rolling basis.